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A juggler performs in Sa-Nur. Settlers argue that disarming them will leave them helpless to defend their families.
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners April 12, 2005 |
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The Israeli military plans to disarm residents of four Jewish settlements in northern Samaria two weeks before the communities are to be dismantled this summer, officials said, reflecting growing concern that settler resistance on the "West Bank" will be far more difficult to put down than in the fenced-in Gaza Strip.
Access for Israeli extremists already living in Samaria to the four tiny northern settlements is relatively easy, and the warning conjured images of thousands of ultranationalists converging on the settlements to prevent their evacuation -- as they have resisted removal of unauthorized outposts in recent months.
Officials expressed concern about armed confrontations. Settlers said Monday they would not hand in their guns.
The threat of violence is expected to be greatest when police and soldiers come to evacuate the four enclaves. Just 500 settlers live there, compared to 9,000 in 21 Gaza settlements -- but with its biblical links, the Samarian highlands have always inspired ideologically committed settlers.
"We are worried more about settlers coming from the outside, not necessarily the residents," said a military official, speaking on customary condition of anonymity.
Officials said troops will collect all military-issue weapons from residents of the four settlements about two weeks before the pullout.
The residents will be asked to turn in their weapons voluntarily, they said, but will the military take tougher action if necessary.
Chaim Weiss, the secretary of Homesh, said there are no plans to confront soldiers during evacuation, but said settlers would refuse to give up their weapons. "We need to defend ourselves and our families ... I think it will be a tragedy to take our weapons," Weiss said.
During more than four years of Israeli-Palestinian fighting, Palestinian terrorists have repeatedly attacked settlements and opened fire on Israeli motorists in Judea and Samaria.
The Yediot Ahronot daily quoted a senior military officer as saying "violent cells" have already been established in two of the West Bank settlements slated for evacuation, Sa-Nur and Homesh.
The AP contributed to this report.
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