SHAVEI SHOMRON - Clashes broke out between settlers and IDF forces at the West Bank settlement of Shavei Shomron Thursday, after troops attempted to place an iron gate at the community’s exit.

Notably, a car bomb exploded in the area several weeks ago, but no injuries were reported in the incident.

Settlers from nearby Homesh and Sa-Nur, both slated for evacuation in the upcoming pullout, prevented the installation of the gate and claimed it was part of preparations undertaken by security forces ahead of the pullout.

IDF sources described the incident as "criminals who had clashed with forces sent to protect their lives."

Government officials denied entrance

Meanwhile, Defense Ministry and Disengagement Administration officials toured the four West Bank settlements slated for evacuation in the upcoming pullout.