It is clear that for Israeli security forces Yishuv Yitzhar in the Shomron poses a greater risk that the neighboring Arab villages and therefore, considerable time, money and manpower are invested in harassing and arresting residents. While many view Yitzhar residents as “right-wing extremists” in their views, in a democratic nation one is permitted a hashkafa that is unpopular among state leaders for as long as one remains within the framework of the law. However, in the modern State of Israel, this is only true if that hashkafa is non/anti religious and left-wing, Yitzhar residents feel as they are continuously in the sights of security agencies.

In the latest action in Yitzhar, the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) accompanied by security forces raided the community under the cover of darkness. Two residents and a yeshiva student were taken into custody in the middle of the night on suspicion of striking law-enforcement forces during the recent attempt to arrest Boaz Albert.

The court has already admonished police and the use of tasers has been modified as an result of that brutal arrest, but nevertheless, Yitzhar residents are taken into custody for their endanger state security. Just this week resident Boaz Albert was released from custody against police objections.

While security forces turn a blind eye to the growing Third Intifada, the sharp increase in daily attacks against Jewish motorists traveling the roads of Yehuda and Shomron, a bus full of commando troops arrived in Yitzhar during the night to make the three arrests, led by the Jewish Section of the ISA.

The suspects will be represented by a Honenu attorney.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)