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Photo: Gil Yohanan
Committee chairman MK Yuval Steinitz
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz
Photo: Gil Yohanan

Mofaz: Probe those who sent children to Amona

Defense minister charges teenagers were sent to Amona to make up for failure in Gush Katif evacuation, says parent should take responsibility for their children's actions

I chose to appear today before the Amona commission of inquiry in the name of IDF officers and soldiers who were involved in the evacuation and demolition of Amona. I think the IDF should be left out of political debates, especially at a time of general elections,” Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told the Knesset committee probing the evacuation of the illegal outpost of Amona.

 

Mofaz said the IDF should be given enough time to complete an internal probe into alleged undue violence by evacuation forces against protesters.

 

“It is appropriate to investigate all the criminal offenses committed in Amona before dealing with the issue. The demolition of houses was carried out under the State’s commitment to implement an order by the High Court,” Mofaz said.

 

According to Mofaz: “The demolitions were legal. Nine structures were illegally built on private Palestinian land. The State of Israel is a State of law. The demolitions were carried out in compliance with the High Court's decision.”

 


Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz shakes hands with Internal Security Minister Gideon Ezra (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

 

Mofaz also said: “A red line was crossed during the evacuation, and we should all be concerned. Hundreds were injured, policemen and civilians, with broken hands and legs. It is a reality that the State of Israel should not ignore because it could lead to chaos. IDF soldiers did not choose to go there, we sent them.”

 

‘Check who sent children to Amona’

 

Mofaz said that violence against security forces was unbearable and unacceptable: “Teenagers and youths were sent to Amona to make up for their failure in Gush Katif, and therefore those who sent their children there should take responsibility. Did you not want the security forces to carry out their mission? I recommend this issue be investigated in depth. We need to investigate who sent these youths and for what purpose.”

 

Asked by Committee Chairman Likud MK Yuval Steinitz about his involvement in consultations to lure settlers into voluntary evacuation Mofaz said: “Throughout my service in the IDF, I can’t remember more intensive talks with Judea and Samaria residents about a set date for evacuation or demolition. The minute we realized that settlers are not willing to leave willingly, it became impossible to talk.”

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.01.06, 15:02
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