Sternberg (L) during evacuee convention
Photo: Haim Tzach
Shin Bet investigates former settler spokesman
Security service interrogates former Gaza Beach Regional Council spokesman Eran Sternberg on suspicions of involvement in incitement, illegal activity against security forces, minorities. 'Even today I maintain that delaying recruitment could prevent uprooting of settlements' he says
Eran Sternberg, a former spokesman for the Gaza Beach Regional Council, is being investigated by the Shin Bet after he made comments in favor of dodging the draft.
The security service is investigating Sternberg, who was evacuated from the Ganei Tal settlement almost a year ago during last summer’s Gaza disengagement, for alleged incitement.
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Officers knocked on Sternberg’s door on Tuesday at 6 a.m. and took him in for interrogation at the Rehovot Police headquarters.
“They took me to a separate room; there was a man in civilian clothing who told me he was from the Shin Bet and that I am being investigated for incitement,” Sternberg told Ynet.
“I said during the interrogation that I have always believed that delaying recruitment to the IDF is the only way to prevent the uprooting (of settlements),” he said.
'I was never involved in any violent activity'
“Just like the mob, those who uproot (settlements) need to recruit ‘orange’ men and women (orange was the official color of the anti-evacuation movement during Gaza pullout)) for manpower purposes and for moral validation.”
Sternberg was released after 20 minutes of interrogation. The security establishment has tried in the past to investigate Sternberg, who currently runs the internet version of channel 7 and also participates in right-wing and youth conventions. He has so far avoided investigation.
A Shit Bet official told Ynet, "Eran Sternberg was detained for interrogation after refusing to appear in inquiries concerning suspicions against him regarding his involvement in inciting for violence and illegal activity against the security forces and minorities."
The former settler leader said in response: "I was never involved in any violent activity, and I have no intention of being involved in violent activity; I will be happy to stand trial. What I do is miniscule in comparison to things that the Left is doing.”
