The following is the official statement released by the Defense Ministry on Tuesday morning, as the Ulpana eviction began.

“The families living in the Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El started moving this morning (Tuesday, 26 June 2012), with the assistance of the Defense Ministry to the temporary neighborhood specially set up for them.

“The first 15 families will be moving today with the rest of the families joining them by the end of the week.

“The operation is being carried out in full coordination, and with the agreement of community leaders and the residents themselves.

“Over 100 Defense Ministry employees and contractors are participating in the operation.

“A team composed of employees and contractors has been assigned to each family. The Defense Ministry will provide full assistance to the families during the operation, and during their integration into the temporary neighborhood.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)