Religious Zionism Party Installs Road Signs in Samaria to Direct Drivers Away from Palestinian Areas

The Religious Zionism Party has installed new directional signs across northern Samaria, directing drivers toward Jewish communities and aiming to prevent accidental entry into Palestinian Authority-controlled areas. The initiative, led by Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee head Simcha Rothman, follows a recent incident in which an Israeli mother and son were attacked by a mob in Jenin after mistakenly driving into the area. The pair narrowly escaped after being pelted with rocks and bricks, highlighting the perceived danger for Jews entering Palestinian cities.
Rothman, who resides in the mixed Israeli city of Lod, emphasized that the threat to Jewish travelers is rooted in antisemitism. He argued that the international community’s tolerance of such restrictions is unjust, calling it a form of apartheid and racism. “If Jews risk being killed for entering an Arab city, this is apartheid, this is racism,” he stated, underscoring the need for safety and security for Jewish communities in the region.
The party’s move is part of a broader effort to assert de facto Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, according to fellow Religious Zionism Party MK Ohad Tal. He noted that Israeli withdrawals have historically led to increased Arab terrorism, and that the presence of new Jewish communities and the Israel Defense Forces has contributed to stability in the area. “Wherever there is an Israeli withdrawal, Arab terrorism moves in,” Tal explained, citing the lessons learned from recent conflicts.
The signs are intended to guide drivers to emerging Jewish settlements such as Mevo Dotan, Emek Dotan, Homesh, and Sa-Nur. Rothman pointed out that while Arabs can enter Jewish neighborhoods without harm, the reverse is not always true. He called for greater awareness of the risks faced by Jewish travelers, framing the issue as a matter of justice and protection.
The initiative reflects a growing concern among some Israeli lawmakers about the safety of Jewish communities in areas with significant Palestinian populations. While the signs are meant to prevent accidental entry, they also symbolize a broader effort to redefine the political and social landscape of northern Samaria. This effort aligns with the party’s commitment to applying Israeli law and governance in the region, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism.
The situation in northern Samaria continues to be a focal point for policy debates and public discourse, with religious and political leaders weighing the balance between security, sovereignty, and coexistence. As the region remains a contested space, the actions of groups like the Religious Zionism Party underscore the complex interplay of identity, security, and governance in contemporary Israeli society.

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