Sharon: No IDF draft for settlers who attack soldiers

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon backed a call yesterday by Vice Premier Shimon Peres to bar citizens who attack soldiers from joining the army and to impose harsher punishments on those who harm soldiers.

The comments followed violent clashes last week between settlers and security forces evacuating illegal West Bank outposts. At an outpost near Elon Moreh, about 150 youths attacked soldiers and policemen, tearing their uniforms and in one case punching a senior officer in the eye.

"The government must stand behind the words of Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, who said we must not allow those who harm IDF soldiers and commanders the privilege of wearing its uniform," Peres said.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that right-wing "hilltop youth" who attack soldiers will not be allowed to join the army and that the government must send the youth an unequivocal message that the State of Israel will not stand for its citizens attacking its defenders.

All law enforcement officials, Peres said, should be instructed to increase the severity with which they deal with extreme right-wing activists. He called for new legislation allowing harsher punishments for those who harm IDF soldiers or officers carrying out a mission ordered by the government.

"The difficult images and derisive calls reflect a dangerous deterioration that must be halted with an iron hand," said Peres. "Soldiers who endanger their lives in the war on terror and by defending settlers are becoming the victims of serious violence, humiliation and invective that has no boundary. The government must use all its power to stand by our children, our soldiers."

Sharon proposed that the government adopt Peres' comments as a government announcement. "There is no reason that remarks on violence toward soldiers should not be said in the sharpest way," he said. "This is serious recklessness and acts of violence that are unthinkable."

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz suggested establishing a staff to facilitate the submission of complaints by soldiers and officers affected by settler violence, so that the parties could be properly questioned.

Meanwhile, Gush Katif evacuee Aryeh Yitzhaki and Women in Green leader Nadia Matar have announced plans to complain to the Police Investigations Department over the behavior of police officers who they said acted violently during the outpost clashes. Yithaki is also submitting photographs and a video recording that he says supports his case.