IDF commander Nitzan Alon visits haredi leader

Following attacks from extreme right wing elements, Judea and Samaria Division Commander visits Rabbi Yosef Elyashiv, seeks blessing. Rabbi condemns infiltrations into Joseph's Tomb

Kobi Nahshoni |Published: 07.19.11 , 23:51

Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier-General Nitzan Alon, who has recently been under attack from right wing elements, met with haredi leader Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. Alon sought a blessing from the rabbi and addressed the recent infiltration by Jewish worshipers at Joseph's Tomb.

During the meeting the rabbi said: "there is a halachic prohibition to enter the tomb in Nablus without first coordinating the visit with security forces as it constitutes mortal danger to both the worshipers and the IDF soldiers."

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Extreme right wing leaders have recently made harsh statements against Alon. They see him as the person responsible for activities against settlers and the forceful eviction from outposts.

Earlier this month, Alon's car was attacked at the Tapuach Junction. Alon left the scene after some right wing youths surrounded his car and kicked it while calling "traitor" at Alon. At first the IDF underrated the incident saying that a few girls tapped on the car and that Alon had not fled the scene.

Later Chief of Staff Benny Gantz condemned the attack and said there were "attempts to degrade" Alon. "Brigadier-General Alon is an officer who has devoted his life to the safety of Israel and its citizens. I am certain that you, like me, oppose such acts and any attempt at harming the authority of IDF officers. These actions must be condemned."

Last week, Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered his ministry's legal advisors to find "any possible way within the limits of the law to stop the lawless harassers" of the Judea and Samaria Division commander.