Deputy Premier Yigal Allon said in a radio interview yesterday that Jewish settlement in the West Bank town of Hebron was essential to the nation’s security apart from Hebron’s historical associations. He said that militarily Hebron was a key to the region south of Jerusalem and that the Etzion settlements in that areas ensured Israel’s control of the Hebron ridge.
Mr. Allon said that security settlements must be based on current needs and future defense requirements. He said he was convinced that once Israel firmly established its security borders those boundaries would in time be recognized.
The town of Hebron which had no Jewish population since 1936, was resettled by a group of religious Jews a year and a half ago. Though the group had no official permission at the time, they have been permitted to remain. Hebron is the site of the Machpela cave, reputedly the tomb of the Biblical patriarchs.
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