Israeli Settlement Minister, Orit Strook, described the increase in Israeli settlement construction as a "miracle" during a meeting with settlers in Hebron. She called for intensified settlement activity, particularly in Hebron. Speaking to residents of the Givat Hannah settlement near Susiya in the Hebron Hills, she said, "For me, it's a miraculous period, as is the case with some of these miracles. It feels like you're standing at a traffic light, and what do you hear? Chirp, chirp. And then there's a green light."
She added, "We want to accomplish as much work as possible, as much as possible in the Land of Israel, and as much as possible in the Hebron Hills in particular. In my view, this is a mission, a truly holy mission." She continued, "After decades in which the Palestinian Authority invested more in the Hebron Hills than the Israeli governments, we have been fortunate that the state is working to develop this strategic area. At the same time, I call for enhancing the treatment of all settlements in areas of national priority, focusing on the areas that were evacuated in the south and north."
