Top rabbi demands dialogue before West Bank outposts are demolished
Rabbi Chaim Drukman sends message to Netanyahu conveying concern over clashes between settlers and police that took place after security demolished West Bank outpost of Havat Gilad.
By Chaim Levinson Tags: Israel news Benjamin Netanyahu West Bank settlements IDFA top rabbi in the Religious-Zionist movement urged the prime minister on Tuesday to open dialogue before dismantling West Bank settlements. The comment came a day after police clashed with settlers after the demolishment of a West Bank outpost earlier in the day.
Rabbi Chaim Drukman sent a message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that the "land is on fire" after Monday's violent clashes.
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Settlers at Havat Gilad outpost in the West Bank, Feb. 28, 2011. |
| Photo by: Moti Milrod |
"We must start a dialogue to calm the spirits," Drukman said.
Drukman had initially asked to speak directly to Netanyahu but eventually agreed that his message be conveyed to the premier by the head of the Prime Minister's office, Natan Eshel.
The rabbi specifically condemned the security forces' use of rubber bullets during the clashes and said the settlers' were offended when police allegedly acted aggressively with settler women involved in the protest.
He stressed that "a delicate balance has been broken, and before dismantling a tent or a structure, there must be a dialogue."
About a hundred right-wing youth gathered on Jerusalem's main thoroughfare on Monday for a mass demonstration to protest the demolition of illegal structures at a West Bank outpost earlier in the day, clashing with police officers who came to disperse them.
Eight settlers were arrested during violent clashes that erupted after security forces arrived at the Havat Gilad outpost to demolish a family home, the foundations of a new building and a tent structure occupied by five young singles.
Settlers reported that 13 people were lightly wounded after security forces shot rubber bullets at the outpost residents.
The incident sparked fury among rightists and led the young activists to block Begin Road and throw burning tires into traffic.
Drukman added that he discussed the issue with Public Security Minister Aharonovich and Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino, but that Defense minister Ehud Barak was in fact responsible for the matter.
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There is G-D and there is Ceasar. The esteemed Rabbi should stick to his job. The statesmen will see to the politics. And the rabbi to kashruth and other economic issues.
that occupation has a price.
Officer : "According to the law of the Israeli State, this settlement is illegal". Settler: "According to the law of God this land is legally ours". So much for dialog "before" the demolishing
Why do religious notecases always resort to rhetorical hyperbole 'the land is on fire'? What a load of rubbish a few thuggish settlers got their asses kicked by a few thuggish IDF boys and all of a sudden Shriek! It's the end of the world. ROTFLMAO
If it is, there's no reason for "dialogue." The law is clear. The outposts must be demolished.
Next time I catch a thief I shall begin a dialogue whether he should hand back the loot ...
Come on unbelievable the towering illegal settlements are the main problem.
You'd probably call me a "leftist" (although, personally, I don't label the desire for democracy and equality radical beliefs) but reading this article made me angry. OF COURSE we support dialogue! Israel is a fool to think that simply destroying these homes without warning or dialogue is the right course of action. Just as destroying Palestinian homes without warning is unjust and leads only to more problems, so to does it when done to Jews. That is the meaning of equality.
I presume that you are not unhappy that Israel has used force to maintain its occupation of the West Bank. S0 why are you unhappy when force is used to dismantle illegal settlements?
The governments move is finally stepping back across ONE of the Red lines that we previously crossed in the wrong direction.
... every time the settlement issue comes up... tie Bibi's hands!... that's just what he needs at this dificult hour...
for "ire"--but this time the Prime Minister gets to make his "tied-hands" case to the WHOLE QUARTET!--assuming he has the you-know-what to show up.
HIS hands are REALLY tied, the result of which is what you're seeing in his actions - but they'll be much LESS tied during his second term, which is more than likely despite all the naysayers.
The settlers behave like spoilt little brats, having no respect for anything or anyone who don't share their ideology...they have become.Israels pain in the neck. Maybe they will become Palestinian citizens one day, so it would be wise of them to change their violent attitude against Arabs, and simply become normal neighbors.
... Pal land up-for-grabs... no rules or regulations... except whoever has the upper hand... Pals dare not even show an "upper-hand", or they'll be apprehended and even worse...
But you watch how he's manipulated.
you brought this on yourself
you brought this on yourself