Over the past 24 hours the administrative order banning a 15-year-old Yitzhar resident from entering Yehuda and Shomron, including his own home, has prompted a social media protest under the slogan, “A Bench for the Yitzhar Minor”. Already dozens of supporters have “reserved” a bench for him close to their homes.

On the Facebook page appear photos  from Netanya, Rosh Ha’ayin, Haifa, Jerusalem, Migdal HaEmek, Bar Ilan University and more, including Brooklyn, New York. The minor said that he prefers not to leave Israel, but it’s heartwarming to see support from the Diaspora. Honenu invites others to submit photos to the page as well.

Honenu Attorney Chai Haber, who is representing the minor, informed the IDF Central District Commander who issued the order that a suitable location for the minor has not been found and therefore he has been staying at home despite the order ordering him to leave Yehuda and Shomron. Also removing him from his home and school would be a severe violation of his rights and detrimental to his education.

According to the administrative order the minor was obligated to leave his home on Tuesday 15 Sivan, for a location outside of Yehuda and Shomron in which he could be under house arrest at night, a situation which requires strict police surveillance. If he does not leave of his own accord the GOC will instruct him where to stay.

Two administrative orders were served to the minor on the night of May 31, 2016 during a police raid on his home. As with all administrative orders, they were issued without presenting any evidence and without bringing the youth to trial. The claim against the minor is that he constitutes a danger to the security of the State. It is based on confidential information which indicates his involvement with “disturbances and injury to Palestinians”. By request of his Honenu Attorneys a hearing was held for the minor. However, the representative of the Homefront Command refused to specify what the evidence against the minor is or even the dates on which the incidents occurred, which precludes him from giving an alibi.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)