Last update - 00:00 09/01/2007
Rightist freed from jail after vowing not to attack Palestinians
By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent
A right-wing extremist was released from prison on Tuesday after promising to refrain from using violence against security forces and Palestinians.
Boaz Albert, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar, had been under arrest for two months for violating the conditions of a restraining order prohibiting him from enetering the West Bank, with the exception of Ma'aleh Adumim. According to Albert, he violated the conditions by returning to his home in Yitzhar a number of times.
GOC Central Command, Major General Yair Naveh, issued the order against Albert in June, as part of the preparations for the evacuation of West Bank outposts.
Naveh signed the warrant following a recommendation by the State Prosecutor's Office and Shin Bet Security Service intelligence that linked Albert to violent clashes with police and Palestinians.
Albert voiced his opposition to the restraining order, and was arrested in November after he repeatedly violated its conditions.
The Shin Bet Security Service and State Prosecutor's Office reached an agreement with Albert over the last few days. In exchange for his release and the annulment of the restraining order against him, Albert said he was opposed to physical and verbal attacks against security forces. He also said that he "disagreed" with harming Palestinians and their property.
Within the past two months similar restraining orders were issued against 20 settlers believed to be right-wing extremists. As a result, settlers have been holding demonstrations outside Naveh's house requesting he cancel the restraining orders.