VIDEO - Security forces stormed the disputed Hebron house on Thursday and completed its evacuation within less than an hour after taking settlers totally be surprise.
Heavy clashes ensued throughout the operation and the Magen David Adom emergency services reported that 20 people were lightly injured during the evacuation. Anotehr two people sustained moderate injuries and were evacuated to hospital.
According to some reports, special police units entered the house and removed the right-wing activists that barricaded themselves inside. Rightists said that the forces used stun grenades and tear gas.
Magen David Adom has raised its alert level in light of the situation in Hebron.
Security forces in Hebron (Photo: AFP)
"I'm standing opposite the disputed house. The evacuation began when they suddenly stormed the place from all directions," Michael Adam, who is in the area, told Ynet. "Multiple police units shot several stun grenades and charged the house," he added.
Later on in the evening it was reported that Palestinians opened fire at Border Guard forces stationed near the disputed Hebron house. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
Security forces were working to weld the building's doors, and Border Guard officers are stationed in the area to prevent right-wing activists from breaking into the house.
Meanwhile, dozens of right-wing activists clashed with police forces at the main entrance to Jerusalem. Some of the protestors tried to block the road, while others stood on the pavements and demonsted against the evacuation in Hebron. The road was blocked to traffic alternately.
The Jerusalem Police arrested 20 right-wing activists who rioted and threw stones at police forces. A police officer was injured after he was kicked in the head by the protestors.
Minutes after the operation began the Defense Minister's Office issued an official statement on the evacuation. "Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered the security forces to evacuate the house in Hebron, in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling and after all efforts to reach voluntary evacuation have failed.
"The defense minister calls on the leaders of the Jewish community in Hebron and the heads of the Jewish public of Judea and Samaria to exercise responsibility and leadership at this time. They have an obligation to see that the house's residents evacuate themselves immediately, without violence or casualties," the statement read.
Tal Rabinovsky contributed to the report
First published: 14:51, 12.04.8