IDF worried, but Sa-Nur says no violence
With Gaza out of the way, IDF to begin West Bank operation Tuesday. Protesters in Sa-Nur settlement vow troops will not receive warm welcome, but say resistance won't be violent.
"The leadership has decided that those remaining in town will not resort to violence towards police or IDF personnel," residents repeat to any and all journalists who bring it up.
In their hey-days, Sa-Nur and Homesh, the other West Bank town expected to disappear this week, numbered several dozen families. But with anti-pullout protesters who have infiltrated the towns in recent weeks, the number of people currently there may be as high as 2,000.
Fortress Sa-Nur
Essentially, security forces are worried about the fortress at Sa-Nur, built by the British during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s. As in Kfar Darom, boards and iron poles have been prepared on the roof, in order to prevent a roof-top landing.
On the roof, eviction forces are expected to encounter several dozen members of a new brand of Chabad hassidim, called "Soldiers of King David", a particularly messianic branch of the well-known parent group.
"We will demonstrate determination and stubborn faith, but there will be no violence. This is the way we were taught," said Yoni Kahane of Netanya.
He added, "When we go up on the roof, we will carefully weed out provacateurs."
Resistance, not violence
Those who don't barricade themselves on the roof will do so in the synagogue. Others will take refuge in community houses.
"When the soldiers come, we'll close ourselves up on the homes and try to prevent them from coming in," said Yiska Waldman, 21, who has lived in Sa-Nur for two years.
Despite the smooth and quick removal of Gush Katif residents from their homes, she still hopes for a miracle.
"We'll show everyone what it means to be connected to the land," she said. "Don't fool yourselves that everything will look nice and clean, but don't expect to see violence, either.
"In any event," she said, "we'll be back here soon."
