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Photo: AP
Clashes at Homesh
Photo: AP

Settlers, soldiers clash in West Bank

Dozens prevent soldiers from reaching settlement,

HOMESH - Dozens of settlers at the West Bank settlement of Homesh clashed with IDF soldiers Wednesday, taking over an army bulldozer and preventing soldiers from doing preparatory work for the disengagement program.

 

There were no reports of injuries or arrests.

 

Tension was particularly high as the settlement marked 40 days until the disengagement program is scheduled to begin. Homesh is one of four West Bank communities scheduled for evacuation.

 

The disturbance began as IDF soldiers arrived at Homesh for work Wednesday morning. As the soldiers approached the settlement, about 100 residents from the Homesh Sa-Nur and Kedumim communities - all slated for evacuation – descended on the work site, sat down in front of the bulldozers and prevented soldiers from doing their work.

 

In recent weeks, soldiers have deployed in the area to widen access roads to settlements to allow access for oversize vehicles during the evacuation.

 

Several hours later, the army was forced to retreat.

 

Settlers claim the army agreed to return tomorrow for negotiations.

 

According to police, the settlers agreed to back off when the army explained it was building a tower.

 

Following the incident, residents said the army has not heard the last of them, and said the "final word" has not been heard regarding the disengagement program.

 

"We will not play a part or help the army in any way as it prepares to evict us," they said.

 

Also Wedesday, settlement rabbis are slated to hold an emergency session at Homesh, and are expected to present formal plans to prevent the "expulsion."

 

The rabbis also said they would try to "reveal the truth" about last weeks riots and eviction of right-wing protesters from the Maoz Hayam Hotel in Gaza.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.06.05, 16:01
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