Israel razes unauthorized West Bank outpost rebuilt by settlers
Settlers have returned to site of Maoz Esther despite repeated dismantling; no violence in Monday evacuation.
By Chaim Levinson Tags: Israel settlements Israel news Israel settlers IDFSecurity forces on Monday evacuated the unauthorized West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a cluster of structures dismantled a number of times already over the last year.
Settlers have returned to the outpost, constructed in the Binyamin Regional Council, despite repeated evacuations.
Forces carried out their last demolition of the site three months ago. Since then, right-wing activists have built there a solid structure with a cement floor, in place of makeshift buildings.
No violence was reported in Monday's evacuation, but activists are expected to filter into the site over the course of the day in an attempt to rebuild.
Last week, security forces evacuated the illegal outpost of Reches Sela outside Nablus and arrested 8 settlers who were gathered at the site.
Soldiers razed a temporary building set up at the site, but shortly after they left the structure was rebuilt.
As soldiers began to affect the evacuation, they had to contend with around 25 people who were attempting to build a wooden house on the site.
Right-wing activist Danielle Weiss, who was removed from the site by authorities, called the evacuation "brutal".
Just a week before, the far-right Youth for Israel Movement established 11 new outposts in the West Bank, following the evacuation of another outpost near Hebron.
The movement, which was formed after the disengagement from Gaza in 2005, said it was doing so as a tribute to pioneers who established 11 settlements in the northern Negev on one day in 1946, two years prior to the establishment of the State of Israel.
The Obama administration has repeatedly called on Israel to freeze settlement construction, and expects it to dismantle about 100 outposts scattered across the West Bank, as well.
Amid the increased tension between the United States and Israel surrounding construction in the settlements, the Israel Defense Forces is reportedly drafting a plan to evacuate 23 illegal outposts in one day. No timetable has yet been set.
Related articles
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
