Border Guards Demolish Homes of Jews in Yitzhar Outpost

Large numbers of Border Guards participated Wednesday in the demolition of two structures next to the Shomron town of Yitzhar. The buildings were in a self-declared outpost called Kumi Ori. Officials stressed that the structures were located in Area B, under Palestinian Authority civil control. The demolitions were authorized after the High Court refused to issue an injunction against them, in response to a petition by residents.

Border Guards kept dozens of protestors at bay as officers removed the belongings of two families who lived in the houses, in preparation for their demolition. In a statement, Border Guards said that “any attempt to harm security forces who are carrying out their legal responsibility to demolish the buildings will be met with zero tolerance and the officers’ determination to carry out their mission. Residents must show responsibility and not be dragged into provocations and violence.”

No violence was reported, but the Yitzhar local council issued an angry statement. “Tens of thousands of illegal Arab structures were built in recent years in Yehudah and Shomron, but the government of Israel concentrates on the homes of Jews in Yitzhar, while the homes of terrorists with blood on their hands remain standing,” the statement said.