Settlers riot after structures razed

Four Jews arrested during riot that erupted as Civil Administration workers demolished illegal outpost near Kiryat Arba. Settlers respond by torching Palestinian fields

Ynet reporters |Published: 08.05.10 , 09:12

Police arrested four Jewish settlers overnight Thursday for suspicion of damaging a military jeep belonging to the deputy commander of the IDF's Judea Brigade.

The settlers rioted during the demolition of illegal structures in the Mitzpe Avichai outpost, located near Kiryat Arba in the West Bank.

At around 3 am Civil Administration workers arrived at the outpost accompanied by police forces to raze the illegal structures in accordance with a court order. Some 30 young settlers burned tires and threw stones at security forces.

The settlers claimed to have torched nearby Palestinian agricultural fields in response to the demolition work. They said they would rebuild the razed structures within hours.

The settlers also said they threw stones at Palestinian vehicles and homes.

The outpost, also called Hill 18, has already been demolished and rebuilt a number of times in the past. During Thursday's operation, six structures, including a synagogue, were razed.

According to the settlers, police forces used excessive force during the evacuation.

"(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and (Defense Minister Ehud) Barak's belligerence will not go unanswered," one of the settlers said.

"Barak and Netanyahu are igniting the area. A synagogue was demolished. They wouldn't dare destroy a mosque," said extreme rightist Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was at the outpost during its demolition.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if someone attempts to damage mosques because of what happened here."

Aviel Magnezi, Ronen Medzini contributed to the report