Conflict in the government: Defense Ministry Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a written order this morning (Friday) to the head of the IDF to halt the evacuation of the Or Haim outpost in Samaria - and not to carry it out until a discussion on the matter is held with him at the beginning of the week.
Smotrich's office said: "In response to reporters' questions, Defense Minister Galant ordered the evacuation despite the directive, without speaking with Minister Smotrich, and in complete contradiction to the coalition agreements that form the basis for the government's existence.".
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir earlier called for a halt to the evacuation and emphasized that everyone must respect the rule of law, but an equal and uniform policy must be created.
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""It is not possible that when Arabs build throughout Judea and Samaria, the administration's personnel do not talk to them and do not enforce the law, but when it comes to Jews, the administration carries out selective enforcement and within hours seeks to demolish and destroy the outpost," the minister said.
Ben Gvir announced that he would request a government discussion on the Civil Administration's conduct in this matter.
Minister of Development of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf said in response to the evacuation of the 'Or Haim' outpost in Samaria: "It is unfortunate to see that even though Benny Gantz was sent to the opposition, the current Minister of Defense allows the continuation of the discriminatory policy that Gantz outlined - a policy of destroying the settlement, while ignoring illegal, unregulated Arab construction, continues.".
""I support the demand of my colleague, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, to hold a discussion about the disgraceful conduct of the Civil Administration. The time has come for a full-on right-wing policy - also in Judea and Samaria.".
The confrontation in the government broke out after large forces from the Border Police and the Israel Defense Forces raided the new 'Or Chaim' outpost in the afternoon - which was established last night in Samaria, in memory of Rabbi Chaim Druckman zt"l. They declared the place a closed military area and demanded that the residents leave the place, otherwise they would be evacuated by force.
At the same time as the residents were evacuated by Border Guard forces, an excited Arab mob from the village of Juarish climbed the hill and began attacking the residents with stones and clubs. Three Jews were slightly injured. One of them was hit in the head.
The residents claim that Border Guard forces completely ignored the serious attack and continued the demolition of the houses, despite the cries of the attacked residents for help. The residents were forced to defend themselves with their bare hands and managed to repel the Arabs from the outpost area.
""It was just crazy," describes Amichai Savir, a resident of the outpost. "Jews here are getting injured and the Megs don't move from the houses, they continue to destroy them while we raise our hands in front of the agitated crowd.
""This situation cannot pass in silence. Not only were the Border Police officers sent to destroy our homes, they also completely ignored the terrible danger to life that was here, and from their perspective, we would all be injured or, God forbid, die. They received instructions from Defense Minister Yoav Galant to destroy the outpost here, and they don't care about anything else. Someone needs to be held accountable for this horrendous omission.".
MK Limor Son Har-Malech, who was on the hill during the evacuation, said: "I arrived this morning at the 'Or Haim' hill in Samaria to try to prevent the destruction, but unfortunately I was not successful. Defense Minister Galant chose to tweet about the coalition agreements and ordered the forces to carry out the destruction.".
""With appalling insensitivity, Arab workers were brought to the scene and took great pleasure in destroying the houses and property, while shouting with laughter and joy.""
The Prime Minister's Office addressed the conflict within the government over the evacuation in Samaria: "The government supports settlement only when it is done legally and in advance coordination with the Prime Minister and security officials, which was not done in this case. The Prime Minister will hold a discussion on the issue at the beginning of the week.".
MK Matan Kahane responded: "Defense Minister Galant is not counting Smotrich. Just imagine what would have happened if such an evacuation had happened during the previous government. The right is full of Aalek.".
Yisrael Beiteinu faction chairman, MK Oded Forer: "To the attention of Ministers Orit Struck, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir - you are jointly responsible before the Knesset for all government actions!"
"You are responsible for the evacuation of the outpost today, for the construction delays in Jerusalem, and for the fact that Khan al-Ahmar continues to flourish. Shabbat Shalom to the evacuation government!".
