The Mora D’asra of Yishuv Yitzhar, Rabbi David Dudkevitz spoke with Channel 2 News following the events in his community this week, which include the IDF operation to destroy a number of homes in the community and a retaliatory raid by residents against a nearby IDF outpost. The damage to the outpost was quite extensive. Police have arrested five suspects believed connected to the law-breaking, including two minors.

The rav began by speaking of the need to address basics, education, stating the youths must understand actions such as those destroying the IDF outpost are pasul and totally unacceptable. He added that he is personally pained with the realization that some reservists who opted to fulfill their duty and serve are now expressing remorse due to the incidents in the community.

The rav added that he does not feel the state acted properly either, stating the destruction of the homes represents collective punishment and this too should be addressed by the proper authorities. The rav and the media for that matter connect the IDF destruction of homes in the community with an act of vandalism that occurred in the community earlier in the week. The tires of a brigade commander’s military vehicle were slashed http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/225464/brigade-commanders-vehicle-vandalized-in-yishuv-yitzhar.html while he was visiting the community.

A delegation of yishuv adults met with the reservists who were chased out of the outpost and apologized. The community has released statements opposing the destruction and attacks against IDF personnel and equipment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)