Netanyahu promises an eye for an eye in upholding the law
Amona residents issued a response shortly afterwards, saying that they "do not seek empathy, but for a leader able to find a way to prevent this injustice."
By JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: DECEMBER 16, 2016 15:30Mounted Israeli police scuffle with pro-settler supporters at the Amona outpost, February 1, 2006(photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday promised that soon-to-be displaced Amona residents would not suffer their fate alone, and that the government would equally punish others in the country transgressing laws regarding illegal structures."Israel is a state of law," Netanyahu said. "I have instructed to expedite the demolition of illegal construction in the Negev, Wadi Ara (the predominantly Arab region north of Haifa), in Galilee, in the Center - throughout the country. I will fight so that Israel will have one law for all and enforcement for everyone - which was not the case until now for decades."Netanyahu also urged the Amona residents to "act responsibly," urging them not to resort to utilize violence."Do not in any way harm IDF soldiers and security forces. These are our children, they are dear to us all, they keep us safe. There is no place for violence," the statement read.Violent clashes already occurred at the outpost in 2006 when security forces carried out a High Court of Justice ruling demolishing nine homes.Amona residents issued a response shortly afterwards, saying that they "do not seek empathy, but for a leader able to find a way to prevent this injustice."Saying that they will stand strong with "thousands" of others who are expected to join the protests against the demolition of the outpost, slated for December 25th, the statement said the protests would be non-violent.Expressing hope that the situation might yet be averted altogether, they called once more for Netanyahu to find a way out, saying: "While the candle burns, there is time to fix. There is still time to stop this madness."
