Settlers slam 'cracks in democracy'
Yesha Council criticizes police top brass for considering drastic steps to prevent planned mass anti-pullout rally, march scheduled for next week; officials may decide to ban both events, block buses and cars carrying protesters by setting up roadblocks
JERUSALEM – The settlers’ Yesha Council slammed the police and the government for considering preventing anti-pullout marchers from reaching south of the country, calling the idea "another crack in the wall of democracy."
Yesha Council leaders vowed, however, that police attempts to stifle free speech would not affect the planned anti-disengagement demonstrations.
“Sharon’s continued silencing of voices and de-legitimization of anti-expulsion opponents will not prevent the multitudes from coming and demonstrating peacefully and democratically,” said senior Yesha sources.
Interior Minister Ophir Pines-Paz called the planned settler vigil on Tuesday was illegal and an attempt at rebellion.
He called on municipal leaders in the territories “to take a moderate and soft line, and not choose to go against the law and incur disaster.”
But Knesset Member Arieh Eldar (National Union) was not listening. He called on anti-pullout activists to avoid “empty demonstrations and get any which way to Gush Katif and northern Samaria.”
Police deliberations
Senior police officials who met for more than four hours Wednesday to discuss preparations for the mass anti-pullout march and rally planned for next week may decide to adopt even tougher measures than before in a bid to thwart the protest.
In contrast to the recent mass anti-disengagement protest in Kfar Maimon, this time around police officials are looking into not only thwarting the march to Gush Katif planned by settler leaders, but also the rally itself, scheduled to be held in the southern town of Sderot Tuesday evening.
Settler leaders warn against police 'provocations'
If such a decision is indeed taken, police intend to not only stop buses on their way to the rally, as was the case last time, but also set up roadblocks on thoroughfares leading to Sderot and block private vehicles from reaching the area. However, a final decision on the matter would only be taken early next week, with more police sessions scheduled before that time to discuss the matter
Earlier, settler leaders announced they intend to hold the protest march even without a police permit. However, the Yesha Council said it would attempt to coordinate the events with law enforcement officials.
In a press conference Wednesday, settler leaders spoke of police “provocations” during the Kfar Maimon protest, referring to the blocking of buses from arriving at the protest site. The settler representatives warned against a repeat performance by the police and laid the blame at Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Shmulik Haddad also contributed to the story
