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IDF braces for Sa-Nur battle
Stiff resistance expected as 100 families, hundreds of infiltrators prepare for final battle, promise non-violent struggle in northern Samaria community; army concerned about possibility of clashes
By Efrat Weiss
The IDF may be preparing to end settlement evacuation by the end of this week, but in the northern West Bank it is "business as usual," at least in the settlement of Sa-Nur, where locals inaugurated a new synagogue and held a first prayer session there.
In the coming days, once the Gaza Strip evacuation is over, forces are expected to head to the northern West Bank. The two settlements of Ganim and Kadim have been voluntarily evacuated by now, leaving troops with two strongholds of resistance, Homesh and Sa-Nur.
For now, residents in the two communities continue their daily routine, while infiltrators continue to flock to the area.
Security officials have expressed serious concerns regarding expected clashes in northern Samaria. However, in recent days Sa-Nur residents handed over their weapons and said they are preparing to offer non-violent, even if stiff, resistance.
At this time, there are about 100 families in the community alongside hundreds of infiltrators. During the violent evacuation of Kfar Darom, IDF Central Command officers arrived in Gaza to examine the struggle from up close and learn some lessons in case the difficult images repeat in Sa-Nur.
Meanwhile, the army tightened its supervision at northern Samaria roadblocks. Now, soldiers check not only visitors' identity cards, but also their belongings, in an attempt to reduce the number of people who reach Sa-Nur.
Preparing for siege
Yesha Council leaders, who suffered a resounding defeat after most Gush Katif settlements were evacuated last week, have not yet decided whether to join Sa-Nur and Homesh residents in their last battle. The decision will hinge on the type of struggle the two communities choose to adopt.
Sunday morning, Knesset Member Arieh Eldad, who is currently in Sa-Nur, is expected to hold a press conference there and announce what shape the battle will take.
Notably, in recent weeks area residents stocked up on water and food ahead of the possibility of a siege. Warehouses in the community are jam-packed with food and medical supplies. Meanwhile, some pullout foes managed to make it from Gaza to the West Bank, in a bid to join yet another anti-pullout fight, at any cost
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