The scene at Yitzhar Junction in Shomron on Monday afternoon was a difficult one. Rumors have been circulating in Shomron pertaining to plans of the IDF Civil Administration to clear additional unauthorized outposts in the area.

Jews report that Arabs in the area of Yitzhar set fields ablaze, leading to increased area tensions. Jews reportedly blocked the approach road to Yitzhar, which the army ordered cleared when border police arrived on the scene. The youths in the area remain determined to prevent the dismantling of outposts.

Also in the area were MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari and his parliamentary aid, Itamar Ben-Gavir. Ben-Ari called on border police to permit him to check on the welfare of a number of youths placed in a police vehicle, but his request was denied. He brandished his Knesset identification, but it did him no good. The MK then prevented the police vehicle from driving off, accusing authorities of ignoring the basic rights of children.

The MK stated he did not plan to attend this event, but was on his way to the area to see the location of an earlier outpost removal. He stopped after seeing authorities manhandling children, ignoring their basic rights. He accuses border police of punching him in the face as well. He spoke of feeling sick and requiring medical assistance.

The area IDF battalion commander, Colonel Itzik Bar, ordered border police to place the MK in custody, ignoring his parliamentary immunity. Authorities also arrested Ben-Gavir. Police accuse the two of interfering with security forces seeking to restore order in the area.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)