Yisrael Ziv: This is difficult for me Photo: Danny Salomon
IDF officer: It's a difficult time for me
Head of IDF Operations Branch Yisrael Ziv says it’s unpleasant to reach a Jewish community and be prevented from entering, reiterates army’s commitment to carrying out pullout
The IDF is in Gush Katif to ensure local residents who wish to leave the area can do so without any problems, the head of the IDF Operations Branch, Yisrael Ziv told Ynet Tuesday morning.
However, the mission proved to be difficult, as dozens of angry residents prevented Ziv’s vehicle from entering Gush Katif’s largest settlement, Neve Dekalim. Some settlers sat on the road and forced Ziv to walk to the settlement. Special police and Border Guard forces served as a barrier between Ziv and protesters as he approached the community.
Life as Usual
Settlers uphold sports tradition / By Uri Yasur
The Kissufim crossing is closed, but in Gush Katif it’s business as usual - Neve Dekalim beats Netzer Hazani in final of traditional basketball tournament between settlements. Winning coach says regarding pullout, ‘Just like in sports, it ain't over till it's over’
“I came here to see things with my own eyes, and see the difficulties associated with implementing the disengagement” he added. “I would like to say that we share the resident’s pain…I’m not afraid to be here, my aches…but I’m certain that ultimately the residents will show understanding.”
Yesha rabbis: Mitzvah to come to Gush Katif
The IDF will attempt Tuesday to maintain law and order in preparation for the evacuation by force scheduled to start Wednesday. But it will not be easy, mainly due to the large number of infiltrators entering Gush Katif.
Meanwhile, the Yesha Rabbis Committee called for the public to come to Gush Katif and Northern Samaria to participate in protests against the pullout plan.
"It is a great mitzvah," a message issued by the committee said. "Do not worry about detention or imprisonment. And those who have been arrested must not flinch or hurry to sign the restrictive expulsion order."
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