Amona activists during the night (Sunday to Monday) of 22 Iyar distributed symbolic eviction notices to 2,000 families living in yishuvim, warning of imminent eviction because their homes are technically illegal.

They explain that from a totally legal standpoint there are thousands of illegal homes throughout Yehuda and Shomron, of which 2,026 are located on private land. They feel the time has come to awaken to this fact and understand “we are all Amona”, referring the community near Ofra slated for destruction in compliance with a High Court ruling.

Activists explain illegal homes exist everywhere including Alon Shvut, Shilo, Nokdim, Eli, Tekoa, Maale Michmas, Beit El, and Kochav HaShachar. They call on MKs, ministers, public officials and regional and local council heads to awaken and realize the legal reality that may lead to such a reality in the future. The activists explain Amona is a test case and if the community is destroyed without a battle, it will open the door for the same action in many other areas.

The Amona activists insist “If we don’t depress the appetite of the extreme left-wing today with Amona, its appetite will destroy homes and lead to the evacuation of many families”. The activists warn organizations including B’Tselem will act after Amona is destroyed to challenge the legality of the other 2,000 plus homes in the High Court of Justice, and will not rest until those homes are razed as in Amona.

YWN-ISRAEL reported a number of weeks ago that Amona residents rejected an offer from former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon to build a community of 139 larger homes to compensate for Amona and its 39 homes explaining that they will not be bought out.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)