Settlers "help" Israeli soldiers man roadblocks
Sunday, 01 January 2012 14:11
Armed Israeli settlers, in civilian clothes, were recently seen helping Israeli soldiers search Palestinian vehicles and checking ID numbers of Palestinians at a number of military roadblocks leading to the Ramallah district, in the central West Bank.
An Israeli checkpoint in the West Bank (Illustrative photo: flickr/Begemot)
Maan News Agency reported that dozens of settlers in civilian clothes, carrying automatic rifles, stood next to the Israeli soldiers at the Bet El Roadblock, north east of Ramallah, searching Palestinian vehicles and examining the passengers' ID cards.
Israel settlers usually conduct “patrols” on several roads in the occupied West Bank, but are always accompanied by Israeli soldiers.
This is the first time that some of the settlers actually participate in tasks that are the sole responsibility of the army.
This comes amidst Israeli reports of the threats some extremist settler groups are posing not only on the Palestinian population, but also on Israeli soldiers.
Settlers attacked Israeli soldiers, wounding one, upon hearing about the planned evacuation of illegal outposts.
Israel settlers usually conduct “patrols” on several roads in the occupied West Bank, but are always accompanied by Israeli soldiers.
This is the first time that some of the settlers actually participate in tasks that are the sole responsibility of the army.
This comes amidst Israeli reports of the threats some extremist settler groups are posing not only on the Palestinian population, but also on Israeli soldiers.
Settlers attacked Israeli soldiers, wounding one, upon hearing about the planned evacuation of illegal outposts.
Settlers also defaced offices and vehicles that belong to Israeli Peace Now movement.
It is worth mentioning that [recent months have seen] settlers step up their attacks against the Palestinian population, their property--including the torching of several mosques and churches in the occupied West Bank and in the 1948 territories. Approximately three weeks ago, the settlers attacked an Israeli military base.
Reprinted from the IMEMC with permission.