''They will not be intimidated': Yeshiva head arrested on suspicion of violating 'disengagement' and released

December 22, 2021   

The head of the Homesh Yeshiva, Rabbi Elishema Cohen, was arrested this afternoon (Wednesday) by police at the Hizma checkpoint, on suspicion of violating the Disengagement Law. The Homesh Yeshiva says: "Bennett is putting the Disengagement Law back on the table - a reward for murderers. Shame." After the intervention of the head of the Samaria Council, Yossi Dagan, the head of the yeshiva was released from detention. However, it was agreed that he would appear for questioning after the swearing-in ceremony for Yehuda Dimentman. MK Bezalel Smotrich commented on the arrest: "As part of the government's decision to eliminate the Homesh Yeshiva in response to the attack in which Yehuda Dimentman was murdered and to give a reward for terrorism, the police were sent today to pursue the head of the yeshiva, arrest him and deter him and us. We will not be intimidated. We call on the masses of Beit Yisrael to come tomorrow and march with Yehuda Dimentman's family." MK Orit Struk responded to the arrest of the head of the yeshiva in Homesh: "Arresting Rabbi Elishema HaCohen in Homesh now is a reward for terrorism, it's a final blow to Arik Sharon, it's a spit in the face of the bereaved family. Is there really no limit?" The police spokeswoman said: "Following reporters' inquiries and inaccurate publications: About an hour ago, a vehicle arrived at the Hizma crossing containing a resident of the Judea and Samaria region. During a routine check by Border Guard soldiers, it was discovered that the resident was wanted for questioning at the Ariel station in the Shi'a district. Border Guard soldiers conducted a check in front of the station and a short time later he received a summons for questioning and was released on the spot without arrest, of course.".