Defense Minister Amir Peretz
Photo: Haim Tzach
Restriction orders issued for 13 rightists
Defense minister signs restriction orders for 13 rightists ahead of evacuation of illegal outposts
Defense Minister Amir Peretz recently ordered Israel Defense Forces Central command chief Maj.-Gen. Yair Nave to issue restriction orders for 13 extreme rightists.
Sources at the Ministry of Defense said Peretz is expected to approve a handful of restriction orders and security discussions of the issue will be held early next week.
The moves are meant to keep rightists away from outposts the government wants to evacuate.
The outposts slated for evacuation – Havat Maon in south Mount Hebron, Havat Skali, Hill 725 and Givat Arusi – were selected due to the fact that their residents have been accused of damaging Palestinian property.
Settler representatives described as "positive" a the first meeting between Yesha Councial heads and Peretz, in his Tel Aviv office Sunday evening.
Last Thursday Peretz gave the Israel Defense Forces two weeks to complete preparations for a plan to evacuate illegal outposts in the West Bank.
Right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to Peretz' decision saying 15 restriction orders were issued against him in the past. "The government's attempt to shut our mouths won't help. If they think they can prevent a struggle through dictatorial steps, they are wrong. The government is panicing," he said.
