Security forces demolished four illegal structures in the town of Yitzhar in Samaria last night. During the operation, the forces encountered disturbances from residents.
According to security forces, hundreds threw stones, burned tires and blocked roads. Six Border Patrol officers were slightly injured during the clashes, one of whom required medical treatment. "Residents threw stones at the forces, smashed the windows of vehicles.".
Forces responded with measures to disperse the demonstrations. During the clashes, a tent and a portable toilet facility at the post were vandalized. Reserve soldiers who were at the post abandoned the site.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
According to the settlers, the security forces arrived around 3 a.m. in three buses, including the Israel Defense Forces and Border Police, with two patrol cars, with the aim of demolishing houses that the state claims were built illegally. The forces demolished a house in the late stages of construction, confiscated one container, and destroyed three trailers. No arrests were made in the riot, but according to residents' testimonies, the forces used severe violence against the residents who came to protest the demolition.
Last week, security forces on the Megvaot hill in the settlement demolished the home of one of the residents, which was supposed to be inaugurated next week and cost over half a million shekels.
The residents claim that the demolition of the buildings was a price tag action against them by the army, after two military vehicles were vandalized in the community in the last two days.
Last night, unknown assailants punctured the tires of military vehicles. The day before, the jeep of the commander of the Samaria Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Yoav Yarom, was punctured.
This morning, Minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the act and joined the ranks of defenders.
