Protestors descend on Amona for Shabbat
In preparation for the inevitable evacuation, young people from surrounding communities and other protestors arrive in Amona for what could be the final Sabbath in the settlement; Israel Prison Service preparing to absorb dozens of detainees.
Amona Rabbi Yair Frank, said, "Our goal is to delay the evacuation as much as possible so it won't be a matter of hours, but days, and we'll be remembered for it. However, we cannot resort to violence; it will weaken us and our cause."
According to estimates, the evacuation is set to occur in the coming days and security forces are already ready. IDF forces will move into position around the settlement to provide security, even though they will not be participating actively in the evacuation.
Soldiers serving in the Judea and Samaria Division were ordered by commanders not to discuss their movements in order to make it harder for protestors to barricade the settlement.
Despite security forces ready to forcefully evacuate protestors, negotiations are still being conducted to get residents to evacuate peacefully. On Thursday, rabbi Eli Sadan made efforts to reconcile the parties during a meeting with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Uri Ariel, in Amona.
However, in preparation for more troublesome protestors, the Israel Prisons Service (IPS) has cleared several wings in Givon, Nitzan and Ofek prisons to absorb dozens of detainees should the need arise. Additionally, the IPS has also made preparations to receive prisoners such as mothers and young people. According to officials, if there are arrests, women will be taken to Givon, while men will be transferred to Nitzan and young people to Ofek.
