Settlers evicted from Jericho (Archive)
Photo: AP
IDF detains rightists in Jericho
Young right-wing activists barricade themselves in ancient synagogue in West Bank city of Jericho Saturday evening. At least eight detained by security forces, IDF confirms; others manage to flee into town
At least eight young Jews were detained Saturday evening by IDF forces after barricading themselves in an ancient synagogue in Jericho.
The activists, who departed from Benjamin region communities, held a prayer session at the Na'aran synagogue earlier and prepared to face security forces. Another 15 activists said they were planning to barricade themselves at the Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho.
About seven or eight other youngsters managed to flee the scene into the West Bank town.
The rightist activists involved in the incident are members of a group affiliated with the so-called hilltop youth in Judea and Samaria.
West Bank
Yair Altman
Security forces prevent Hilltop Youth from praying in West Bank city. 'Jewish presence in the synagogues there must be renewed,' group's leader says
On Friday, dozens of youngsters aged 16-20 also attempted to reach the Jericho synagogues but were nabbed by troops on the way to town.
Meir Bartler, a hilltop youth leader, told Ynet earlier that as opposed to previous attempts, the activists had no intention of leaving the site.
"We won't make do with prayer. We have sleeping bags, food, and equipment needed for a long stay at the site. We expect the army to allow our presence there and to secure it," he said. "If evicted, we'll make every effort to return soon.
Referring to the possibility that the youngsters may confront troops, he said: "We're engaged in settlement activity and not in attacking soldiers."
In recent months, the Jericho region has turned into a focal point of activity for hilltop youths. A few days ago, the Judea and Samaria police held 11 Israelis for questioning after they entered a closed military zone north of Jericho. Officials suspected that the Israelis intended to continue to a synagogue located in Area A of the West Bank.
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