Army chief: We must uphold rule of law in Hebron
During visit to IDF induction base, Gabi Ashkenazi says most West Bank settlers good people but 'small part are not', vows to deal with lawbreakers
After a relatively peaceful weekend at the disputed house in Hebron which the High Court of Justice ordered be evacuated, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said Sunday, "It is very important that we uphold the rule of law."
Speaking at the IDF induction base in Tel Hashomer, Ashkenazi added that most of the residents of the West Bank were good, quality people. Nonetheless, Ashkenazi said, "Unfortunately, a small part is not like that.
"We will deal with the lawbreakers. I am also sorry for some of the things that were said, that even contradict the Jewish tradition, and we are still committed to upholding the rule of law and so we shall…we will prefer talking and will utilize every way we can, because at the end of the day the law is the law and we will uphold it."
The IDF, Border Guard and police forces reinforced their men on the ground ahead of Shabbat as thousands of Jews arrived at Hebron for the reading of the 'Chayei Sarah' weekly portion (lit. 'The Life of Sarah,' Genesis 23:1-25:18) and a number of meetings were held to evaluate the situation.
On Friday, security forces reported no irregular incidents surrounding the disputed house, but on Saturday police arrested two right wing activists and detained a 13 year old following clashes with soldiers not far from the house.
At the same time, the defense establishment had to be prepared for the possible situation in which visitors to Hebron would stay in the city in hopes of trying to foil the evacuation of the disputed house.
