Pullout objectors in Ofakim
Photo: Reuters
Settlers plan last-ditch effort
Convoy from Gush Katif and Ofakim to make its way toward Ashkelon on Monday, mass vigil in Jerusalem’s Western Wall set for Wednesday; thousands may attempt to arrive in Gush Katif on August 15 - disengagement day
After Kissufim, Kfar Maimon, Sderot and Ofakim, the anti-pullout campaign is entering its final stretch this week with a planned rally in Ashkelon, a convoy from Gush Katif and Ofakim and a mass vigil at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.
Last Friday settler leaders convened in Jerusalem to discuss preparations for the anti-pullout campaign, one week before the disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank is scheduled to begin.
Anti-pullout campaign
By Shmulik Hadad
Residents of Sderot prepare to receive thousands of anti-pullout protesters expected to head into town for a mass rally before embarking on a second attempted march towards the Gush Katif settlement bloc in Gaza; Internal Security Minister says police ready and able to stop infiltrations into territory
On Sunday the leaders are set to hold a press conference to announce their plans, and the police is expected to prepare accordingly.
The Yesha Council apparently plans to bring back thousands of protesters to the south, as only a few dozen activists spent the past weekend in Ofakim and Sderot.
On Monday, protesters are scheduled to travel by car from Gush Katif and Ofakim to Ashkelon, where they will hold a mass demonstration, after which they are set to return to Ofakim.
Settler leaders also plan to gather pullout objectors at Eshkol Park, near Ofakim, and then make another attempt to march toward Gush Katif.
Moreover, a mass anti-disengagement vigil in Jerusalem’s Western Wall is planned for Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Yesha Council heads plan to incorporate the Ninth of Av day of mourning (August 14) into their anti-disengagement campaign. The following day, disengagement day, pullout objectors plan to arrive in Gush Katif by the thousands.
