Police: Keep away from Sderot

Israel Police are preparing for the possibility that thousands of officers will be transferred to southern Israel in a bid to prevent pullout objectors from attending the Yesha Council’s demonstration in Sderot, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The demonstrators plan to assemble in the Negev town and then proceed to march toward Gush Katif. Senior police officials are expected to hold a meeting Sunday to assess the situation. Police officials have repeatedly claimed the pullout objectors would be permitted to hold a legitimate anti-pullout protest, but would not receive authorization to gather in Sderot. They have suggested the demonstrators hold the rally north of Sderot. However, settler leaders are adamant in their intent to hold the demonstration, titled “To the aid of our heroic brothers,” in Sderot. Following the rally, organizers plan to send protesters to Ofakim and Netivot, and then march in small groups from all three southern cities toward Gush Katif. While police are determined not to permit the Sderot demonstration, an official decision on the matter has not been reached as of yet. The final decision regarding the positioning of roadblocks throughout the south to prevent protesters from attending the rally will apparently be made on Monday, following a final assessment of the situation by top police officials, including Chief Moshe Karadi. Apparently police will receive legal authorization to block the demonstrators. Protesters plan to heat things up Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said regarding the blocking of buses that were on their way to the recent mass anti-pullout rally in Kfar Maimon, “If the IDF and Israel Police estimate that it would not be possible to control the tens of thousands of people who will attempt to march into Gaza, then I believe it is legitimate to stop these people at an earlier stage.” Meanwhile, settler leaders are moving forward with logistic and operational preparations for the Sderot rally. In a recent press conference organizers said they would not wait for a permit and would march in any case. Police officials said intelligence information has been received regarding the possibility the demonstrators will attempt to march into Gush Katif and cause provocations. In light of the information, the option of blocking roads leading to Sderot is being weighed.

Police: Keep away from Sderot

Pullout objectors gearing up for mass demonstration in Sderot on Tuesday, which is set to be followed by march toward Gush Katif; police determined not to permit rally, weighing option of blocking roads leading to southern town