Preparations underway for Netiv Ha'avot evacuation
Convoy of security forces, tractors arrive at Netv Ha'avot outpost in Gush Etzion, in preparation for March evacuation by court order; illegal carpentry shop already destroyed in November; residents determined to resist, ask PM Netanyahu, Bennett for help.
A large convoy of security forces arrived at the illegal outpost of Netv Ha'avot (near the settlement of Elazar) in Gush Etzion Tuesday morning in preparation for its upcoming evacuation, by court order, in March.
Local residents scuffled with security personnel and attempted to halt their progress, with Border Police forces called to the scene to maintain order.
The outpost's residents were presented with an order by the regional military commander decreeing it a closed military zone. Some 11 tractors then arrived to the area to open up access roads.
There are 15 structures that are set to be evacuated in March, the largest forced evacuation of settlers since Amona a year ago. Last November, forces tore down an illegal carpentry shop in the outpost.
"We awoke to the sounds of tractors and heavy machinery and immediately realized that these were preparations to set the ground for the evacuation," said local resident Orit Noy. "We quickly scrambled and arrived at the scene where they showed us the commander's order. We are standing here now and we will not allow them to work."
Monday, residents met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett and asked for their help in opposing the evacuation. According to residents, Netanyahu and Bennett told them that they were working on finding an appropriate legal solution for them.
In recent months, the Justice Ministry and the Attorney General have been trying to come up with a solution for Netiv Ha'avot residents. As of now, a plot was found where they may settle for three years, while efforts to legalize the outpost go forward.
