World Jewish News

Destroyed home in West Bank outpost of Givat Ronen on July 26, 2010. Photo by: Shimshon Sochi (Haaretz.com)

Six hurt in clashes between settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank

Clashes broke out between Palestinians and West Bank settlers on Monday following the destruction of a home built in violation of the building freeze in the outpost of Givat Ronen.
Civil Administration authorities along with police destroyed the house without incident, despite the fact that a mass text message had been sent out informing settlers in the area of the expected home destruction and encouraging them to prevent it from happening.
The clashes broke out after the home was destroyed. A group of Palestinians from the village of Burin in the northern West Bank began to throw stones at the settlers, injuring four of them.
One of the injured settlers was taken to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikvah in moderate condition after being hit in the head by a stone. Two Palestinians were also injured during the clashes.
Military forces spread reached the scene and closed all roads in the area.
Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the home being destroyed, calling it a "despicable" act.
"This house will be built again," Mesika said.
Netanyahu has kept mum on what will happen when the 10 month freeze on settlement building expires in September. Despite speculation that it may be extended, regional councils across the West Bank are preparing for continued settlement construction following its expiration.
Settlers in the area complained that every time Defense Minister Ehud Barak makes a visit to the United States, homes are destroyed.

By Chaim Levinson

Haaretz.com