Many residents of communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron feel abandoned as a result of the diminished IDF presence in those areas. Despite the sharp increase in attacks against Jewish motorists the checkpoints removed by former Defense Minister Ehud Barak are not being reactivated. Many areas are isolated and motorists are in significant danger traveling those roads as they make their way to and from their homes.

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, 14 Iyar 5773, Hebron residents decided to take matters into their own hands, beginning to patrol area roads in the hope of protecting fellow residents. According to Yitzchak Pas, whose infant daughter Techiya Shalhevet Pas HY”D was murdered by PA (Palestinian Authority) sniper fire near their Hebron home in 2001, a short time after they began patrolling they were bombarded with stones. Kol Yehudi reports they immediately stopped their vehicle and began chasing after the attackers. They remained in that area for about an hour to protect other travelers who would be passing through.

Pas adds that anyone familiar with the situation understands. He explains most IDF soldiers are sympathetic, but in reality, their hands are tied. If they react they will face charges for injuring an Arab.

After a short time on location, Pas and his colleagues closed the road so other vehicles would not be targeted. Some of them entered the Arab village and continued the manhunt for the attackers. Others stood by on the road to control the situation. Villagers were shocked to see the Jews dared to enter, and without weapons.

By this time, the IDF was following not too far behind, fearing what would take place with the Jews in the village. About 15 soldiers entered the village; Pas is quoted as saying, using teargas. The soldiers arrested two suspects.

Posted below is a clip of soldiers under attack, yet they are not permitted to respond in line with standing orders.

About six weeks ago, Adele Biton was gravely injured near Ariel in Shomron as a result of rock-throwing attacks.  Unfortunately, unless someone is killed or seriously injured chas v’sholom, the government does not permit the IDF to respond, as if a rock is a benign weapon.

Click HERE to watch this video on a mobile device.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)