Amid UN moves to recognize a Palestinian state, Minister Amichai Chikli has demanded Israel assert full sovereignty over Area C and safeguard Jewish heritage sites by designating them as national parks.
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli has called for the government to take a decisive step and declare full sovereignty over Area C, the region of Judea and Samaria under Israeli control. His remarks come as the UN pushes forward initiatives aimed at granting recognition to a Palestinian state.
Chikli emphasized the importance of restoring and preserving historic Jewish sites that testify to Israel’s deep connection to the land. He highlighted urgent renovations needed at Solomon’s Pools near Efrat, the Moon Ridge north of Jericho, and the Hasmonean Palaces.
Going further, he urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately declare several key biblical and historic sites as national parks, including:
- Mount Ebal – location of Joshua’s Altar
- Ancient Shiloh – Israel’s first spiritual capital
- Hasmonean Palaces in Jericho
- Ancient Beitar – stronghold of Bar Kochba’s revolt
- Hasmonean desert fortresses – Aroma, Sartaba, and Horkaniya
In addition, Chikli recommended establishing new nature reserves at Sfar Hamidbar, Nahal Shiloh, Nahal Kana, and Mount Bezeq, reinforcing Israeli stewardship over the land’s natural and historical treasures.
The minister argued that such moves are not just about heritage but about asserting sovereignty and countering international pressure.
“At the exact moment the UN seeks to erase our legitimacy, we must deepen our roots and strengthen Israel’s presence across Judea and Samaria,” Chikli stressed.
