IDF destroys six illegally built settler structures in Areas B, C - watch
The two structures in Area B were in the Kumi Uri outpost near the Yitzhar settlement.
By TOVAH LAZAROFFBorder police forces reportedly on their way to the Kumi Ori outpost on the outskirts of the Yitzhar settlement to demolish two illegally built homes on January 15, 2020.(photo credit: HONENU)
The Civil Administration destroyed six illegally built settler structures in C and B of the West Bank near the settlement of Yitzhar early Wednesday morning.The two structures in Area B were in the Kumi Uri outpost near the Yitzhar settlement. There has been a history of enforcement action in Kumi Uri, with clashes occurring there between right-wing extremists and security officials. The Civil Administration has also destroyed two illegal modular homes in Kumi Uri in January.THE HOME DEMOLITION AT KUMI URIAccording to the UN, Israel has demolished at last 100 illegal Palestinian structures this year.In March, right-wing extremists threw Molotov cocktails at a security vehicle on the Yitzhar entry way which had just served an injunction that declared the Kumi Uri outpost a closed military zone.The Yitzhar settlement has decried the Kumi Uri violence, but on Wednesday it charged that the demolitions were a revenge “price tag” attack by the government for past violence by in the outpost and in the area of Yitzhar.Police prevent traffic in parts of the town and even prevent residents from going to their workplace.The governmental as well as the security system have an “delusional obsession” to deal solely with Jews, it said.“It is inconceivable that during the time of COVID-19, Defense Minister Naftali Bennentt chose to send its destructive forces precisely to the Yitzhar settlement,” it said.It noted that the homes of Jews seemed to be demolished with more ease, since the homes of terrorists had been taken down only with a court order, and only in Yitzhar were structures in which families lived taken down without a judgement.“It’s a jarring cord for Bennett to end his tenure [as Defense Minister,” the Yitzhar settlement said.
Area B is under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority and the IDF strictly enforces the prohibition against any Israeli building there. Such construction in Area B would also be prohibited under the details of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.The four structures that were demolished were in the outposts of Kippa Sruga and Tukuma, also near Yitzhar.The Civil Administration said that the “The enforcement activities were carried out in accordance with the authorities.”Among those whose homes were destroyed was that of Neria Zarog, who has become famous in Israel for the clashes between him and the security forces.The police arrested him in his living room as he held his infant, who was taken from him. His wife and children were also present at the time.The organization Honanu, who represents him, said that the arrest was violent.The police had sought an order that distanced him from his home for 15 days. But the Magistrates Court in Petah Tikvah denied the request and ordered his release, Honenu said.
