TEL AVIV - Hundreds of right-wing activists protested the disengagement plan Monday by blocking intersections and burning tires across the country.
Atleast 50 demonstrators were arrested, 39 of them from Jerusalem and dozens of policemen were lightly injured.
The police is yet to determine the identify of the organizers, who arranged the protests without official approval. Yesha Council has denied any involvement.
A police official said the police believe anti-disengagement demonstrations would continue and intensify as the Gaza pullout draws near.
About 100 protestors arrived at the Bar-Ilan junction on Highway 4, burned tires, and blocked traffic in the area. Several demonstrators were taken in for questioning after large police forces were dispatched to the scene.
| Protestors, police face off in capital (Photo: AFP) |
Meanwhile, dozens of far right activists attempted to block the entrance to Jerusalem, but were dispersed by police, who detained eight protestors. The demonstrators said two activists were injured in clashes with police officers.
Overall, at least 39 protestors were detained in demonstrations across Jerusalem. Eight police officers reportedly sustained light injuries while responding to disruptions in the city.
15,000 protest in Gush Katif
About 200 protestors demonstrated at the Golani junction in the north of the country, but no disruptions of traffic were reported. Other demonstrators burned tires in the town of Beit She’an.
However, the biggest event of the day took place in Gush Katif where a mass demonstration
was attended by about 15,000 protestors, according to police estimates.
Orange bracelets engraved with "Let the nation decide" were distributes as a sign of protest to the Gaza pullout plan.
Demonstrators called on the government to hold a national referendum on the disengagement plan in order to prevent a national rift over the evacuation of settlements.
Settlers will do everything in their power to repel what he called the “expulsion bill,” said Yesha Council Chairman Bentzi Lieberman.
“We wholeheartedly believe this bill will not be implemented,” he said.
Tens of thousands of pullout objectors will arrive in Gush Katif if necessary to thwart the evacuation, he said.
David Hatuel, who lost his wife Tali and his four daughters in a Gaza terror attack several months ago also said he believes the plan will not materialize.
“I don’t believe this scheme can be implemented,” he said.
RSS
