Peres slams violent settlers
Photo: Shai Rosenzweig
Peres: Iron hand against violent settlers
Vice premier slams settler youths who assaulted IDF troops, says government must back soldiers
The government must firmly stand with IDF soldiers and employ an “Iron hand” against settlers who assault troops, Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Friday.
Peres called for an urgent discussion on the matter during the upcoming government session, after settler youths physically assaulted security forces during the evacuation of illegal West Bank outposts.
“The difficult images and curses reflect a dangerous escalation that must be curbed with an iron hand,” he said. “Soldiers who are risking their lives fighting terrorism and protecting settlers are becoming the victims of serious violence, humiliation, and unrestrained curses.”
“The government must firmly stand by our sons, our soldiers,” Peres added. “The government must back remarks by the chief of staff, who said those who hurt IDF soldiers and commanders must not be allowed to put on an (army) uniform. The government’s reaction to the difficult events is of the utmost significance in preventing further escalation.”
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz expressed similar sentiments, saying that violence against IDF soldiers is purely criminal and would be handled with the full severity of the law by the IDF and police.
“It’s unthinkable that on a day where we must direct all of our attention to curbing terrorism…we are forced to visit officers and soldiers in hospital, after they were hurt by Jews,” he said. “Many today must engage in self-reflection and use all their weight to stop this criminal escalation, before it’s too late,” he said.
