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Cages for expelled Jews? The IDF shows off special "holding pens" for Jewish families to be expelled by force. (AP)
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners August 1, 2005 |
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Although Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz explained that fear of falling Palestinian rockets was the reason for preventing a massive anti-expulsion demonstration in Sderot, Maariv/NRG reports, the real reason was a growing fear by security forces that the protesters will surround and occupy Prime Minister Sharon's expansive ranch just several miles from the city.
In the course of considering possible outcomes of the looming confrontation, the proximity of Sycamore Ranch dawned on the IDF as a nightmare scenario. A senior officer in the army's Southern Command revealed to NRG that neither side is confronting the real flashpoint. "It's a shame that there is no transparency between the heads of the YESHA council [settlers' group] and the police and the army. The great fear is that the demonstrators will march in the direction of Sycamore Ranch and carry out provocations there, on the Prime Minister's fences.
The officer added that the fear grew when the heads of the demonstration refused to allow it to take place in Ofakim, a city closer to the Kissufim Crossing into Gush Katif, he claimed. "That lit up a red light," he said.
Without question, the occupation of Sharon's ranch would be a tempting target, a powerful statement at a time when the Prime Minister is demanding that the 9000 residents of Jewish Gaza leave their own home immediately. As the Gaza residents face the prospect of their own homes and lands being destroyed, there is clearly concern among security forces that the demonstrators might be tempted to give the author of the Expulsion Plan a "taste of his own medicine."
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