Hebron. Not just praying to stay
Photo: Reuters
Hebron protests turn violent
Settlers say nearly a thousand activists have flocked to disputed house in bid to prevent eviction; 11 rightists arrested for allegedly attacking Border Guard officer
Following rumors that security forces are set to evict the disputed house in Hebron late Monday night, hundreds of right-wing activists increased protest activities in the area, some of which became violent and resulted in arrests.
"Everything that's happening now is the result of the defense minister's unjust and irresponsible behavior," Noam Arnon, the spokesman for the Jewish community in the West Bank, told Ynet.
Defense Minister's Stance
Attila Somfalvi
Defense minister meets settler representatives, asks them to refrain from clashing with security forces carrying out High Court order to evacuate disputed house in West Bank city; promises them IDF will protect house from Palestinian squatters
According to settlers in the area, nearly a thousand people have gathered around the disputed house in order to prevent the eviction of its Jewish occupants. Earlier in the evening community leaders sent text message appeals to right-wing activists, urging them to head to house.
Protesters at disputed Hebron house (Photo: AFP)
Security forces soon logged several disturbances of the peace, including mutual stone throwing by settlers and Palestinians in the area. A resident of the Kiryat Arba settlement complained to police that he was attacked and wounded by four Palestinians.
Arnon emphasized the danger inherent in an attempted eviction of the Hebron house and said that the goings-on Monday night "were only a light hint of what might happen."
"We are pleading not to give in to the brothers of impiety who are searching for blood and headlines. There is an agreed-upon, organized and legal solution and this (current situation) depends only on the decision of the defense minister," he said, referring to the fact that the court had not yet ruled on the home's rightful ownership.
Right-wing leader Itamar Ben-Gvir placed the blame for clashes between rightists and police forces "on the shoulders of the IDF and the police."
"The lack of certainty causes rage, and if they don't intend to evict, they must announce this in public. If they do intend to evict, they must deal with the consequences," he said.
11 rightists detained
Clashes between forces and settlers spread to other areas of the West Bank Monday night. Police arrested 11 rightists who were protesting the defense minister's decision while gathered at a checkpost near the West Bank village of Hawara, south of Nablus.The detained men, two of them minors, were accused of attacking a border guard policemen and were transferred to the custody of Hebron region police.
Palestinians in Nablus said that settlers from Yitzhar were throwing stones Palestinian homes in the nearby village and had caused damage.
