Ran regards the presence of settlers as part of a war, stating:'Make no mistake about it – we are winning this battle, and we have no one to apologize to for that.' He oversees the defense of the outpost, taking care of its perceived security needs, saying that they do not rely on the Israeli army, preferring not to 'drain' the country's resources. Some critics respond that in effect this has made life for Palestinians in the vicinity a 'living hell'. He is known to some as 'the Sheriff'.