Israel Defense Forces on Saturday warned settlers not to go through with their plan of returning to the settlement of Homesh in the West Bank, evacuated during the August 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and some northern West Bank settlements under then prime minister Ariel Sharon's Disengagement plan.

The IDF warned that attempts to resettle evacuated areas would result in two years imprisonment. Israel Police also sent a warning letter to those planning the action, notifying them that intelligence services had provided information on their whereabouts and intentions.

In addition to criminal prosecution, the letters stated that the IDF will file a civil suit against them for compensation to the state of the cost of dealing with the attempted reoccupation.

	Advertisement

Organizers expect thousands to participate. Announcements distributed throughout synagogues on the weekend listed gathering points from which transportation to the area would be arranged, and advised participants to bring suitable clothing and outdoor equipment.

The IDF informed settlers that according to Disengagement Law, Israeli citizens are "prohibited from entering and living in this territory without a permit," and that the IDF and police would "use all force necessary" to maintain order, and that the full severity of the law would apply to civilians disrupting order.

Samaria district Deputy Police Commissioner Kobi Cohen labeled the planned action a "grave violation of the law," and police sources stated that the action would place great strain on defense forces, who would otherwise be protecting Israel during the upcoming Passover holiday.

The organizers responded to the threat of a civil lawsuit by saying that to thwart their return and sue them for the cost of their removal "sets a new record in cynicism and hypocrisy, on a par with police in China and in Iraq under Saddam Hussein."

They said that the action would be akin to "forcing families to pay for the ammunition used to slaughter their loved ones."

They added they would happily pay once others such as Islamic Movement leader Ra'ad Salah, former justice minister Haim Ramon and President Moshe Katzav were also held accountable for expenses they caused the state.