The incident resulted in anger and embarrassment, as well as possibly resulting in the ousting of soldiers, but during the Kosel swearing-in ceremony of the Shimshon infantry soldiers on Thursday night, some soldiers lifted a large sign stating “Shimshon Battalion soldiers do not carry out expulsions at Chomesh”. The move does indeed represent a blatant IDF violation demanding a total separation from expressing a political belief, but these soldiers’ love and commitment to Eretz Yisrael has pushed military rule aside, and they may be a price for expressing their position. This was not just a spontaneous act, but prompted by the fact many a Shimshon soldier was ordered to take part in evicting Jews from the N. Shomron communities of Chomesh and SaNur, where the battalion serves. The Office of the IDF Spokesman called the incident “unusual” and “shameful”, explaining the brigade commander, Colonel Oren Abman will have to consider the future service in his unit of the soldiers involved. One mother quoted by Ynet said, “We are not settlers, but we are proud of our children and of the fact that they are not robots. They were drafted to the army for military service in order to fight the enemy, not Jews.”  Members of the Chomesh First organization praised the act and congratulated the soldiers for taking a step towards restoring the pride back to the IDF. The organization’s message to the media added that unlike outgoing IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni, there are those who learned the lessons of the IDF’s taking part in the 2005 expulsion of Jews from their homes. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

While senior IDF officers were enjoying the moment, the ceremony marking the change in the central command, someone was busy sifting through pockets and purses, making off with cash, cellular telephones and other objects. Present were IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, incoming central district commander, Major-General Avi Mizrachi, outgoing commander Major-General Gadi Shamni and many other senior military officials, as well as Defense Minister Ehud Barak. The wallets, phones and cash of dozens of soldiers from Charuv were stolen, prompting military police to act. The gates of the base were closed and everyone leaving was inspected, resulting in prolonged delays. Despite the effort, the stolen goods were not recovered. The investigation continues. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni on Monday announced he was issuing administrative orders banning two residents of Yishuv Itamar, Land of Israel organization activists, from their homes and all of the Shomron for six months. Military officials reported that their intelligence information confirms the two have been involved in illegal activities, actions that represent a significant threat to public order. MK (Ichud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari objects to the administrative orders, depriving the recipients of due process of law, point out such actions are implemented only against right-wing Jews, adding “we have not heard of such orders against left-wing activists at Bilin and Na’alin, where they regularly throw rocks at soldiers”. The Land of Israel Forum strongly condemns the administrative orders, which they say are a severe blow to basic rights of individuals. Itamar Ben-Gavir, Dr. Ben-Ari’s parliamentary aide stated “hunting season on the right-wing has officially begun”. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

In response to an increase in the number of violent confrontations between residents of Yehuda and Shomron and security forces of late, the IDF has announced the formation of a new rapid-response team intended to address such violent confrontations in the future. Recently, firebombs were hurled at a security vehicle near Gilad Farm in Shomron, and there have been many cases of vandalism against security vehicles. IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has set up the unit compromised of border police troops, who are operating under IDF command. Shamni believes that this rapid response team will be deployed expeditiously where and when needed, and thereby prevent a situation from escalating. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

The Maale Adumim area communities of Nofei Porat, Kfar Adumim and Alon have had enough of the government’s discrimination, preventing Jewish construction while turning a blind eye to ever-increasing illegal Arab construction. They filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Thursday against Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni, seeking to compel the government to halt illegal construction in the Arab sector. The petition states 257 illegal Arab homes were constructed on land belonging to Maale Adumim, yet the government has not taken any action to address the situation, including implementation of demolition orders. The petition cites the presence of illegal roads and other realities constructed illegally which damage and compromise Maale Adumim’s infrastructure, as well as inhibiting future natural growth of the city. Petitioners are seeking a detailed explanation for the government’s failure to act towards law-enforcement regarding illegal Arab construction. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Nine IDF soldiers were injured on Tuesday night when an armored personnel carrier flipped in the Jordan Valley. The soldiers inside are all from the Kfir unit. A military chopper was dispatched to airlift the injured to the trauma unit of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has ordered an investigation. Preliminary information signals the driver may have been driving above the permitted speed. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Those who bought homes ‘on paper’ in the Green Park and Na’ot HaPisga neighborhoods of Modi’in Illit were alarmed to hear that IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has issued a stop-building order, bringing the projects to a standstill. According to a report appearing in the weekly Hebrew Mishpacha Magazine, the order is the result of a Supreme Court ruling demanding that the perimeter fence in the area between the Jewish community and neighboring Arab Bilin be rerouted. According to media reports, Shamni’s order is supported by Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Rumors indicate that during a meeting in NYC this week with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell, Barak explained that America’s demands to totally freeze construction in settlements will not stand up in court, explaining contractors who have all the necessary permits in hand and have begun construction will turn to the court to unfreeze the situation. The rumors do not include Mitchell’s response. Mishpacha adds that Modi’in Illit officials are not concerned, explaining the stop-work order in their community is not connected to American demands, but the issue of the separation fence must be rerouted and then construction will resume. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

As builders of Eretz Yisrael continue to defy the government, following Wednesday’s dismantling of outpost Maoz Esther in Shomron, work began almost immediately to rebuild the site, at least for the third time, sending a clear sign to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak that the Eretz Yisrael Faithful will have the last word. In another act of defiance, a concert is being hosted in the outpost on Thursday, tomorrow, June 4th, at 5:00pm. Kiryat Arba Chief Rabbi Rav Dov Lior Shlita is expected to attend. Earlier on Wednesday, the IDF declared several checkpoint areas in Shomron a closed military zone, a move taken by IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni towards keeping Eretz Yisrael Faithful activists away from outposts. Authorities reported that on Wednesday, Jews in the Maoz Esther area set Arab fields ablaze and threw rocks at Arab vehicles. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni on Wednesday morning declared three Shechem area checkpoints ‘closed military zones’ to prevent outpost activists from making their way to the areas designated for removal by Barak. The order pertains to the Chawarah, Beit Fouriq and Awarta Checkpoints. The move is intended to prevent activists from making their way to Shomron areas to support the residents of outposts that are slated for removal in the coming days. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

The decision was made not to open Tzion Road in Chevron today, Wednesday, perhaps compelled by Tuesday’s statements to the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee by ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin.   Diskin expressed his opposition to opening the road to PA (Palestinian Authority) motorists, a roadway that was closed to the PA drivers for 15 years due to security concerns. The closure was decided upon as one of a number of measures intended to halt and prevent terror attacks.   The following statement was released by the Chevron Jewish community.   “Chevron’s position, opposing opening of Tzir Tzion (Tzion Road) for security reasons, has been awarded an official stamp of approval. This proves two significant facts: “1) Claims made by Chevron-Kiryat Arba leaders, with the backing of various Knesset members, particularly those from the National Union, who yesterday visited Chevron, and ministers, including Interior Minister Eli Yishai, who publicly opposed reopening of the road, have now been confirmed. Reopening of Tzir Tzion will endanger Israeli lives. The Chevron community position is not a hysterically exaggerated – politically-motivated demand. Rather, it is an attempt to prevent more Jewish blood from being spilled. “2) The decision to reopen the road, beginning with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, down thru Central Command General Gadi Shamni and Commander of Judea and Samaria Noam Tivon, was not security-related. Israeli lives were not taken into account when their decision was made. Rather, the decision was politically motivated, in keeping with the idea that ‘easing Palestinian lives’ is more important than protecting Jewish lives.   “Chevron’s Jewish Community calls on the Defense Minister to admit his error, to accept the opinion of Israeli GSS director Yuval Diskin, and officially end attempts to reopen Tzir Tzion. It’s time that Ehud Barak stop playing politics with Israeli lives!”    MK (Prof. Aryeh Eldad) in his objections to Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s decision explained that during the past years, tens of Israelis were murdered by Arab terrorists and reopening the road would just facilitate renewed attacks. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)  

The parents of IDF soldier Noam Adin Richter Levy z”l, who was killed by mistaken fire from a commander have made an appeal to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi to not take action against the officer.   Last week, YWN reported (HERE) that the deputy company commander was discharged from the IDF and another commander is being barred from leading operations for two years.   The parents met with the commander responsible for the accidental death, and he explained in details what occurred. The parents told Ashkenazi they are not angry at the officer, and they asked him to prevent his discharge from the IDF as was ordered by Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni. Ashkenazi agreed to order a probe which will present him with the findings, at which time he will make a final determination.   In the IDF, it appears opinion is divided regarding Shamni’s decision to dismiss Captain ‘A’, with some expressing criticism, accusing Shamni of acting too impulsively, adding the punishment was too severe considering the death, while tragic, was a result of events and not a mistake on the deputy commander’s behalf. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

The investigation into last’s week death of IDF soldier Noam Adin Richter Levy, 20, from Mitzpei Netufa has determined the soldier was not killed by enemy fire, but by a bullet fired by the deputy company commander.   The officer responsible was discharged by Central Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni, and another officer was cited as bearing some of the responsibility and is barred from leading any operation for the next two years.   It was first believed that Richter was killed during a struggle with Arabs, theorizing his weapon discharged and hit him. It was later learned that the deputy company commander’s weapons discharged while he was struggling with local Arabs, and apparently, his barrel shifted position, killing the soldier. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

After Friday’s terror attack in the Southern Chevron Hills community of Bet Chaggai, regional leader Tzviki Bar-Chai turned to IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni demanding that he order the return of weapons confiscated from area residents six months ago. In response increasing incidents of IDF-issued automatic weapons stolen from residents’ homes, the order was given to collect hundreds of weapons, significantly impacting the ability of area residents to defend themselves in the event of attack. The military justified the move by explaining the order was given for fear the stolen guns are falling into the hands of terrorists. Bar-Chai sent a letter to Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, calling for the return of the weapons in light of the recent alarming increase in hostile incidents and terror attacks against residents of yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron. Bar-Chai explains that while there are concerns the stolen weapons may fall into terrorist’s hands; these concerns may not be permitted to outweigh the reality that residents must be given the tools to defend themselves and their homes in case of attack. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

SECURITY/DEFENSE: *11:12: A bomb was detonated against IDF soldiers along the Gaza border in the Kibbutz Miflasim area. No injuries were reported. *Four bombs were detected along the Gaza border fence in the Kissufim area. No injuries were reported. *16:26: Kassam rocket attack without injuries. POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE: *Globes: 46% of industrial companies have cancelled employee pay hikes planned for 2009, and 40% of companies have cancelled bonuses, according to a new survey by the Manufacturers Association of Israel of 50 companies. *Likud’s primary elections got off to a late start in the Jerusalem Convention Center on Monday morning after a tractor damaged a fiber optic cable, resulting in outages in cellular and internet services in the capital and other areas. *Gavriel Bibi of Kiryat Arba, who is facing charges for assaulting a photographer last week in Chevron, was released on bail with restrictions on Monday. *An IDF soldier was lightly injured in the Golan Heights when the tank he was traveling in flipped over. *16:00: 20% voter turnout reported in Likud primaries. Party officials may extend voting from 23:00 to 00:00. *Israel’s first vehicle recharging station for electric cars opened its doors in Cinema City in Tel Aviv on Monday. *Ayala Ben-Gavir, the wife of right-wing activist Itamar, was arrested with her 8-month-old daughter for protesting outside the Modi’in area home of IDF Central District Commander Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni. She was released with conditions, including a prohibition against coming near the senior commander’s home in the future. Also arrested was Mrs. Elisheva Federman. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

An IDF soldier was lightly injured in a scuffle with settlers in Otniel in the Southern Chevron Hills on Wednesday afternoon. IDF officials report the soldier was hit over his head with a baton. He was transported to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. The violence began when Arabs in the area began harvesting their olive trees. Military officials report the Jewish youths began pelting them with rocks, compelling the IDF to respond and attempt to stop the attacks and restore order. Soldiers of the Duchifat unit responded, seeking to distance the Jews from the Arabs. During the scuffle, the soldier was hit with the baton. In another case, one youth attempted to grab a soldier’s weapon. Another soldier controlled the situation and the youth was taken into custody. Later in the day, a protest was held outside the Re’ut community home of IDF Central District Commander Gadi Shamni. Reports indicate 19 protestors were taken into custody. The protest was to decry the unfair treatment of residents of Yehuda and Shomron by the IDF. The protest was declared illegal and the arrests were made, mostly minors, who were released later in the day. Earlier in the week, some 30 protestors appeared in front of the senior officer’s home to protest. 29 were taken into custody. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Speaking during an interview with the Haaretz daily, IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni expresses concern over the “several hundred extremists” comprising the fanatic fringe element in Yehuda and Shomron. The senior commander states that the overwhelming number of the close to 300,000 Yosh residents is perfectly normal. He stated that what used to number several tens is now a group of hundreds of extremists, willing to use violence to achieve their objectives. In recent weeks he explained, a dog was instructed to attack an officer, an officer’s hand was broken, tires of a military vehicle were slashed and in Chevron, an officer was attacked when soldiers tried to arrest Jewish children for throwing rocks at Arabs. Shamni blames the current worrisome state of affairs partially on the leadership and rabbonim who generally give active or passive approval of their actions. He blames their actions for causing significant damage to the IDF’s image as well as the image of the State of Israel. The senior commander adds he fears the numbers of the extremists continue to grow, and this he explains is cause for concern. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

An Arab threw a caustic substance at a soldier manning the Chawarah Checkpoint in Shomron on Monday morning, injuring him lightly-to-moderately in his face. The soldier was transported to Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. The attacker, a female PA (Palestinian Authority) resident, was taken into custody. The attacker, in her 50s, used the “humanitarian” lane of the checkpoint, permitting her to pass without inspection. The army has ordered a lightening of restrictions are checkpoints in compliance with American pressure, and IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has ordered even “more consideration” at checkpoints during the Muslim month of Ramadan. Authorities believe the suspect in custody was also responsible for the acid attack at the same checkpoint two weeks ago, but that time, she succeeded in fleeing the scene. In another “humanitarian case”, a company commander was recently sent to prison (reported HERE on YWN ) after an Arab baby was born stillborn after the officer adhered to protocol and delayed the woman in labor, realizing many times, PA residents take advantage of humanitarian gestures. In this case, the officer was the fall guy and was imprisoned for following regulations. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

A protest is planned for Tuesday, September 2nd, at the Re’ut home of IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni for signing an eviction order (HERE) against a number of residents of Shomron, compelling them to leave their homes for a number of months. The order was signed as a preventative measure, without providing the recipients due process, without being charged with a crime, without an opportunity to defend themselves. The protest is being arranged by Women in Green, and it will take place at 7:00pm outside the senior commander’s home in the Modi’in area community, which is home to a relatively large number of senior officers and air force personnel. For additional information or transportation arrangements, one may phone 052-311-4627. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has sent a message to Israel that if Jerusalem decides to release Hamas affiliated members of the Palestine Legislative Council and ministers, he will dismantle the PA. This message was delivered to Israel a number of weeks ago during a meeting between senior PA official Hussein a-Sheikh and IDF Central District Commander Major-General Gadi Shamni. According to reports, a-Sheikh stated “he did not say he will resign” but “he will dismantle the PA.” Following the 2006 kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Israel arrested PLC members and cabinet members, all with Hamas affiliation. A number were since released due to a decision by a military court. Today, some 40 of the Hamas-affiliated officials remain in Israeli prison. Abu Mazen fears their release will further compromise the struggle of his Fatah faction to maintain control of PA autonomous areas throughout Yehuda and Shomron following Hamas’ rise to power in Gaza last year. When asked to comment, a-Sheikh confirmed the meeting took place but denied that he ever delivered such a message to the senior IDF officer despite widespread media reports contradicting his statements. The announcement of Abu Mazen’s threat some feel will further complicate efforts towards obtaining Shalit’s release, although it should be pointed out that none of the 40 Hamas officials appear on the list of 350 names submitted to Israel by Hamas. Hamas insists there will be no negotiations and if Israel does not agree to the release of all of the 350 appearing on the list, Shalit will remain prisoner. To date, Israel announced it agrees to release only 70 of the names appearing on the list. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Following are some of the remarks released to the media following the notification to the Regev and Goldwasser families by senior IDF officials. 1. Major-General Elazar Stern – Commander of IDF Human Resources We are in this home, not for the first time. Once again, bringing bitter news, today as well, but alongside the difficult feeling there is a sense of relief, having succeeded in bringing Eldad and Ehud to “kever yisrael”. 2. Major-General Gadi Shamni – IDF Central District Commander I just informed the Regev family of the positive identification of Eldad z”l. the IDF strengthens and hugs the entire Regev family. 3. Tzvi Regev – Eldad’s father in a phone conversation with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) This is a very emotional day. We could not watch too much of it. We prayed and we hoped that we would meet with and hug Eldad. 4. Omri Avni – Karnit Goldwasser’s dad, Ehud’s father-in-law Thank you Major-General Stern, who gave us the difficult news that Eldad and Ehud were identified as dead. During the meeting, present in the room were Miki and Shlomo (parents), my wife (Ehud’s mother-in-law), Yair and Gadi (brothers) and Karnit (wife). I must say that after two difficult years, this was the most difficult – the moment in the room. You know that Karnit vowed to bring Ehud home and after accomplishing this, the emotions released. We are all in a difficult state. We would now like to be left alone to pain, heal, hug and be with one-another. Please, when I am done with my statement, honor the request. Sometime towards evening, we will travel to the Schrage Base to depart from Udi and then make preparations for the funeral. We are in touch with the Shalit family too, and I want to tell them that we began this as three families, and while we are finishing, Gilad is not forgotten and we will remain three families towards bringing Gilad home. I do not wish to get into details, but I can say that much was done and some of the details given to the family are not for publication, they do not change realities, and we must now part from our loved ones and get on with life. Ofer Dekel did marvelous work. We were in touch with him for about 18 months and we last spoke a few minutes ago and this is an opportunity to commend him on a wonderful job that was 24/7. The Prime Minister’s Office contributed to convincing the cabinet to accept the deal and we are thankful. We are in touch with the Regev family and we will speak later and then we will make funeral arrangements. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)