Central Command Head Naveh signs order
צילום: דני סלומון
Police raid offices of far-right group
Offices in West Bank settlement of Tapuah and in Jerusalem closed after police claim to have proof connecting 'Jewish Battalion' group to outlawed Kach movement. 'Evil forces are trying to destroy us,' group leader says
About 200 police officers raided the offices Sunday of the far-right "Jewish Battalion" movement in the West Bank settlement of Tapuah and in Jerusalem.
The raid was carried out in accordance to a military order issued by Central Command Chief Yair Naveh over suspicions of extremist activity.
In response, group leader Yekutiel Ben Yaakov told Ynet, "We are good Jews and believe the evil forces are trying to destroy us."
During the raid, police closed three buildings, a kennel where dogs were trained to attack Palestinians, a religious seminary and a dining hall, police spokesman Shlomi Sagi said.
Police also raided a Jerusalem office and Internet cafe near the central bus station.
The group was formed four years ago and today boasts several dozen activists. According to the members, "The Jewish battalion" was established to provide security for Jewish communities using guard dogs.
'It's a bad joke to make dogs illegal'
The group also claims to have worked in cooperation with the IDF for several years.
"The same government that distributes tens of thousands of rifles and weapons to our enemies, provides terrorists with prizes and land where they are able to launch rockets into Israel, but fights against protectors of the nation of Israel," Ben Yaakov said.
"For the past few years, group activists have volunteered to sacrifice themselves to defend the residents of Israel and have prevented four terror attacks using dogs in the Tapuah, Itzhar, Elon Moreh and Bracha areas. It is such a shame," he added.
Far-right leader Baruch Marzel said in response that "during these days when the Israeli government is training the PLO and considering talking with Hamas, it is a bad joke to make dogs illegal."
Police officials in the West Bank said the raid was not directed at the residents of Tapuah, but rather at the groups' activities. The defense establishment claims the raid followed the uncovering of recent evidence that has connected the group with the outlawed Kach movement.
AP contributed to the report
