Friday, November 07, 2008

Shin Bet to Restrain Leftists


Gil Ronen

The Israel Defense Force has asked the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the police to provide it with information on left-wing activists in Judea and Samaria in order to enable the army to issue restraining orders against them, Ha'aretz reported Friday. Until now, such orders have only been issued against Land of Israel activists living in Judea and Samaria, while leftists have enjoyed relative freedom of movement. The leftists, some of whom define themselves as anarchists, have been key participants and organizers of violence and provocation

In Judea and Samaria for many years. Leftist groups have regularly participated in organized violence against security forces and Jews in hotspots like Na'alin and Bil'in, have been conducting "tours" of Hevron that disturb the Jewish community there and stir up resistance to its very existence, and have taken part in innumerable acts of violence against Jews and their property.

Ha'aretz reports that "this is apparently the first time left-wing activists have been the possible target of [restrainin orders" and that the IDF is looking for information against "a number of activists protesting the security fence, those who help Palestinians harvest their olives, and others."

Pollack questioned

According to a document formulated by the IDF Central Command, titled "Means of Operation Against Leftist Activists in the Area of Judea and Samaria," the IDF seeks to issue restraining orders against Israelis and foreigners "who disturb the peace" and "lead violent activity."

One of the activists whom the intelligence services were asked to provide information about is Yonatan Pollack of "Anarchists Against the Fence." Pollack said he was recently summoned to a Tel Aviv police station and told that they "had had enough of my activities and if I kept it up they would take steps, either criminal or administrative ones."

The IDF spokesman's office said that "the law is enforced without reference to this or that political affiliation" and a police spokesman said the police were "cooperating fully with the Central Command to enforce the law in Judea and Samaria."

Activist exiled

Meanwhile, a three month restraining order from entering Judea and Samaria was issued at 2:00 A.M. Friday morning against Yaron Kilav, a resident of Beit Hashalom in Hevron.

Police detectives surrounded Kilav's home and served him with the order.

Two months ago, restraining orders were issued against three other residents of Judea and Samaria: David Libman and Meir Bretler of Adei Ad, and Akiva HaCohen of Yitzhar.

The Land of Israel Faithful movement said Friday that "the restraining orders are not subject to public scrutiny and are issued by people who work hand in hand with the government to satisfy the political whims of [Prime Minister E Olmert and [Defense Minister E Barak."
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