Settlers call Mofaz ‘traitor’
Defense minister gets chilly reception during visit to Gush Katif settlement of Neve Dekalim Tuesday, as dozens of security officers protect him from settlers’ wrath; Mofaz: I appreciate them and even love them
NEVE DEKALIM - Residents at the Gaza Strip settlement of Neve Dekalim called Shaul Mofaz a “traitor” and urged him to resign, during the defense minister’s visit to Gush Katif Tuesday.
Mofaz was scheduled to meet with Neve Dekalim residents, but the locals decided to shun the defense minister and did not attend the session. However, dozens of them waited for Mofaz with derogatory placards and shouted insults at him.
The minister attempted to approach the crowd and talk to angry residents, but without success. At one point, dozens of security guards and police officers surrounded him and separated him from the protestors.
“I wanted to shake their hand,” Mofaz said following the incident. “I defended them for years, I really appreciate them and even love them.”
'Leadership is tested in such moments'
The defense minister said he was not surprised by the rude welcome, and added he expected it to be even worse.
“Leadership is tested in such moments,” he said. “Looking citizens in the eyes and telling them ‘this is the democratic decision that was taken’.”
Earlier, Mofaz met with local community leaders in Gush Katif. The session marked the first time settlers slated for evacuation met with a high-ranking minister who supports the disengagement plan.
The defense minister visited the Gaza Strip on previous occasions, but only to meet with military officials. Those visits were accompanied by settler protests outside military bases.
'Too bad he didn’t come here before'
Mofaz also addresses the possibility of delaying the pullout by three weeks and said the settlers’ request to postpone the disengagement would be seriously considered.
“We must consult with security establishment figures… but they only make recommendations to the political echelons, which would be making the decision,” he said.
However, a postponement, should it be approved, would be limited to three weeks only, Mofaz said.
“The plan will not be put off to the end of the year, “ he said. “It’s not practical.”
As noted earlier, Mofaz’s visit was received with mixed feelings by local residents, with many of them saying they are not happy about hosting a minister who supports settlement evacuation.
“Too bad he didn’t come here before they voted on the plan,” one resident said.
Meanwhile, Gaza Beach Regional Council Head Avner Shimony told Ynet he is still convinced the plan would not be implemented.
“I really hope they decide to delay (the pullout,) and that eventually we’ll stay here,” he said.
