Orange Rules
Right-wing leaders, prominent rabbis draft ‘Orange Pact’ to govern anti-pullout struggle; calls for settlers to disarm ahead of evacuation
JERUSALEM - Right-wing leaders have released the first draft of a rulebook to govern anti-disengagement demonstrations.
Leaders formulated the “Orange Pact” in response to a wave of negative publicity following a series of violent incidents in Gush Katif last week involving extremist right-wing activists.
The document was drafted during a meeting of right-wing leaders, including Renewed National Religious Zionism Party Head Effie Eitam and prominent Religious Zionist rabbis, at the Gaza settlement of Neve Dekalim.
Eitam also discussed the pact with Yesha Council Heads Bentzi Lieberman and Pinchas Wallerstein, who are expected to adopt the initiative.
Non-violent, legitimate struggle
The pact calls for anti-pullout activists to opt for a non-violent and legitimate struggle that appeals to the general public, similar to the one that is being waged by Gush Katif settlers. However, it does not deal directly with the road-blocking phenomenon.
“Only a determined and popular struggle, devoid of hatred and violence, will lead to the people’s victory over the government,” the pact says.
A central issue expected to be discussed in Gush Katif and the Yesha Council pertains to Eitam’s proposal for armed settlers to willingly hand over their guns and rifles to the authorities as the disengagement nears.
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said at the time that the IDF would forcefully collect guns belonging to the settlers.
During Monday’s meeting the participants emphasized the fact that the guns were given to the settlers for self-defense against the Palestinian terror.
The pact may be amended after Gush Katif rabbis and Yesha Council heads review it.
The pact consists of five main clauses:
1. Our efforts should focus on the nation’s spirit. This awakening spirit will demand the cancellation of the pullout. This work should not be done out of desperation and anger – but out of dedication and a belief in the people’s ability to speak their minds.
2. No one will resort to physical or verbal violence toward IDF soldiers, police officers and security forces.
3. The resistance to the expulsion attempt will be passive and will not cause harm or personal risk to the security forces.
4. The weapons given to the settlers in accordance with the law are for self-defense. In light of the IDF’s announcement it will allocate large forces to secure the settlements and that the forces participating in the expulsion attempt would not carry arms, if, God forbid, the day of expulsion comes to fruition, people in the areas slated for evacuation must hand over their arms to the authorized parties before the act (evacuation) begins.
5. IDF forces are responsible for the security, and no one is permitted to take the law into his (or her) own hands and act against Palestinians residing in the area or conduct activity that may lead to escalation.
Eitam said he plans to ask as many public figures and prominent Religious Zionism rabbis as possible to sign the pact over the next week.
