The recent Hebron riots, theensuing military closure of the area and the eviction edicts handed out to the Jewish settlers residing in the city’s market are a mere prelude to what is expected to take place during the actual evacuation of the settlers.
The government has already declared it would not compromise on this issue, and security forces are gearing up for the task, which is certain to remind many of last summer’s disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank, but without the sentiment.
Some 2,000 police and Border Guard officers and IDF soldiers are expected to take part in the evacuation of settlers from the Hebron market and from illegal outposts in the West Bank.
“This time, as opposed to the disengagement, we will show determination with zero tolerance,” a police official told Ynet.
“When we are talking of the Hebron market, we are talking about enforcing the law and about those who are violating it – this is different than the evacuation of Gush Katif residents from their homes.”
Following the Hebron settlers’ violent behavior toward the security forces and the damage they had caused to Palestinian property, hundreds of additional officers were deployed to the area to restore order.
Moreover, IDF Central Command Chief Yair Naveh signed an injunction rendering the area a closed militarized zone, a move aimed at preventing settlers residing in other areas from assisting their friends in the Hebron market.
IDF lacks the manpower
However, security forces will stop enforcing the order beginning 11 a.m. Thursday following discussions between army officials and local settler leaders and due to the fact that hundreds of youths who do not reside in the market have left the area.
The decree will remain in force until Sunday in case the violence resumes.
On Wednesday Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered security officials to immediately act to clear the Hebron market of illegal Jewish settlers who are currently residing there.
In addition, Olmert instructed Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz to present a plan for removing all illegal outposts across the West Bank.
"This reality of disruptions of order and undermining the rule of law could trickle in from Judea and Samaria into the Green Line. We're fighting for the rule of law and it's an essential objective," the acting prime minister said.
It remains unclear when the actual evacuation will take place, but Olmert has instructed that it be carried out prior to the date determined by the court, which ruled that Amona must be evacuated by the end of the month, while the Hebron market must be evacuated by February 15.
The Palestinian elections, scheduled for January 25, are also being taken into consideration, as the IDF lacks the manpower to deal with both events simultaneously.
During the evacuation security forces will use water hoses, tear gas and mounted officers should the need arise. In addition, the events will be videotaped for use against suspects who will be detained during the course of the evacuation.
Calm prevailed in Hebron during the night, and police are expected to continue arresting those suspected of committing violent acts against security forces and Palestinians.
First published: 10:58, 01.19.6