In what some lawmakers are calling a shameful act, the IDF on Sunday ordered the evacuation of soldiers from the Erez base due to the decline in the area security, the result of Gaza-based terror.
The soldiers involved are under the command of Major-General Yosef Mishlav, who heads the Coordination & Liaison Authority. He ordered the soldiers temporarily relocated due to difficult realities in the area of the base as a result of the escalation of warfare from Gaza. The soldiers are being transferred to Julis base situated about 17 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaza.
Last week’s truck bomb that detonated near Erez prompted the decision, with the commander realizing the situation in the Erez area is becoming increasingly volatile.
National Religious Party MK Zevulun Orlev condemned the decision, which he stated is tantamount to waving a white flag. He added that there is no doubt that if we run from terror, the terror will follow, pointing out that even after dozens of soldiers were injured in the Zikim training base in a rocket attack, the base was not evacuated.
Joining in the condemnatory statements was MK Otniel Schneller, a member of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Kadima Party.
Greater Sderot Area residents and community leaders were outraged over the move, explaining that not only is the IDF not doing what it must to halt the ongoing attacks, soldiers are taken to safety while area residents are compelled to remain and endure ongoing warfare.
Regarding last week’s attack (reported HERE on YWN), military officials estimate the damage at NIS 2 million, adding the previous attack at Kerem Shalom, in which jeeps exploded, also resulted in significant damage and repairs are yet to get underway in earnest.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)