Rightists say all IDF soldiers 'should become Gilad Shalit'
Hebron's Jewish residents call for revenge against army following evacuation of Federman outpost Saturday night. 'We hope they are all defeated by their enemies, killed and slaughtered because that's what they deserve,' one of them tells Army Radio. Olmert: Inciters belong in jail
"We hope they are defeated by their enemies, we hope that they all become (kidnapped soldier) Gilad Shalit, that they are all killed and that they are all slaughtered, because that's what they deserve," one of the residents told Army Radio.
"Damn the defense army's forces," one of them said.
Four suspects were arrested during the outpost evacuation, including Noam Federman.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addressed the remarks at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting, saying that "those who talk this way belong in jail and should be prosecuted".
"This morning we heard in Hebron calls to harm security officials. I instructed the defense minister and the internal security minister to act against the incitement remarks.
"We have had enough of all this violence, the verbal violence which leads to physical violence, and we won't lend a hand to it. I expect the internal security minister and justice minister to let me know what has been done against these people."
Vice Premier Haim Ramon called on Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter to instruct the police commissioner to arrest all inciters immediately.
Speaking at a Kadima ministers' meeting, Ramon said that "had an Arab called for a terror attack on the radio, he would have been arrested a long time ago. The settlers must be treated the same way."
Defense Minister Ehud Barak also addressed the issue at the cabinet meeting. "I stress the seriousness of the statements and activity of the extreme Right in the territories. I believe the punishments are too soft and that the punishment and legal systems should focus on this."
Addressing the reinforcement of Palestinian police forces in Hebron, he said that "this is an extension of our existing activity to maintain law and order. The final security responsibility belongs to our security forces."
Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann said that the law enforcement authorities must act. He expressed his "disgust in light of the inciting remarks voiced today by radical elements in the territories against IDF soldiers and the security forces.
"The Israeli government will act firmly to uproot this phenomenon. I call on the attorney general and Israel police to take all measures needed to deal with this matter."
Knesset Member Rabbi Michael Melchior (Labor-Meimad) said in response to the harsh remarks, "The outposts in the hills of Judea and Samaria create a poisonous conservatory for dangerous and unrestrained groups trying to erase any humanism from the existence of the Jewish people in the State of Israel.
"I support the security forces and urge them to continue fighting the wild crops growing on the hills."
Yesha Council Chairman Danny Dayan told Ynet on Sunday that the threats made "by a number of hooligans" to hurt IDF soldiers following the evacuation of a Hebron outpost "should be harshly condemned".
"I have many claims against the security forces and the Israeli government over the activity in Hebron over the weekend, but there are no attenuating circumstances relieving the severity of the remarks made," Dayan added.
Extreme right-wing activists said following the outpost evacuation, "We set a price tag for the evacuation. We caused damage to nine Palestinian graves in the Hebron cemetery, we cut the tires of Palestinian vehicles and hurled stones at the security forces and at Palestinians in the region."
'Arab graves vandalized'
A Palestinian eyewitness told Ynet that he saw four cars whose tired were cut by the settlers. He added that several houses were stoned and their windows were smashed. In addition, a number of graves were vandalized and spray-painted with slogans against Arabs and Muslims.
Following settlers' calls for revenge against the IDF, the Judea and Samaria District Police announced they had begun gathering all relevant material and would decide on a way to deal with these threats.
The Hebron police continue to search for suspects who slashed the tires of 12 Palestinian cars in the city. An investigation into to vandalism of Muslim graves in the city's cemetery has also been opened, however no suspects have been arrested.
A Palestinian source in Hebron expressed his fear that due to the reinforcement of the Palestinian security organizations over the weekend, settlers would boost their attacks against Palestinians and their property in a bid to heat up the tensions in the city.
Shortly after 1:30 am on Saturday night, massive police, Border Guard and IDF forces arrived near the Federman home. Noam Federman was arrested for assaulting a policeman and breaking his hand, and two young girls were taken into custody after reportedly attempting to set fire to a police car. Another person was detained for questioning.
Federman's wife, Elisheva, recounted the events in a conversation with Ynet.
"It was a regular Saturday evening. We were cleaning after Shabbat. Our nine children went to sleep. I finished working on a paper for school, Noam was on the computer, when we suddenly heard dogs barking.
"We received a phone call that massive forces were headed towards us. Noam went out to see what was happening, and then Yasamniks ((Israel Police special patrol unit) jumped on him. I haven't seen him since."
Ali Waked, Roni Sofer and Aviad Glickman contributed to this report
