Rightists try to enter Hebron 'disputed house'
In response to government's plans to freeze construction in settlements, rightists arrived at disputed structure in West Bank city, attempt to break in; two detained. Extreme rightist Itamar Ben Gvir says, 'youths' motivation won't be curbed'
Two right-wing activists were detained for questioning Monday evening after trying to break into the "disputed house" in the West Bank city of Hebron.
A group of rightists arrived at the structure, that has been the center of much violence in the past, and tried to enter it, apparently in response to the government's plans to freeze construction in settlements.
Extreme right-wing activist Itamar Ben Gvir said that "(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Defense Minister Ehud) Barak will not be able to curb the youths' motivation to continue settling in the Land of Israel."
Meanwhile, the Gush Shalom movement said the defense minister's decision to authorize the construction of 455 housing units in the West Bank was a "spit in the face of his constituents".
The Jewish residents of the 'disputed house' were evicted from it last December.
The move was executed relatively swiftly, but included severe clashes between settlers and security forces, and ended in a number of injures.
After the evictions, security forces welded the doors shut to prevent the rightists from returning to the building.
Shortly after the eviction, rightists blocked roads in the area in protest, and in other areas in the West Bank settlers clashed with Palestinians.
A Palestinian father and son were injured from gunshots, and damage was caused to Arab residents' property and homes.
In a separate incident Monday, security forces evacuated two tents from the Giva 18 outpost near Kiryat Arba. Several rightists were present at the site, and the wheels of IDF vehicles were punctured.
Following the incident, the IDF said it viewed any attempts to harm officers or soldiers severely.
