Israeli Riot Troops Clash with Jewish Settlers in Fierce Battle

Strategic Insights -

Israeli riot troops yesterday descended upon the West Bank hilltop outpost of Amona, clashing with Jewish settlers in the fiercest confrontation since the Gaza pullout began last summer. The battle was sparked when rioters on rooftops pelted police with eggs, rocks, and other projectiles, prompting a response from the authorities that left more than 160 people wounded and dozens arrested. The demolition of the illegal settlement was seen as a test of acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's commitment to enforcing the law against settlers violating it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 160 people were wounded and dozens arrested in the clashes between Israeli riot troops and Jewish settlers in Amona, West Bank.
  • The confrontations began when rioters on rooftops pelted police with eggs, rocks, sand, cooking oil, and paint-filled balloons.
  • The Israeli Defence Minister, Shaul Mofaz, stated that his troops would not be deterred and would continue to enforce the law against rioters.
  • Nine houses, built illegally on private Palestinian land, were reduced to rubble by late afternoon after a crowd of several thousand, including children and the elderly, were beaten back by cavalry charges.
  • Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that the state of Israel would not accept such violent acts and would act with determination against settlers violating the law.
  • Two Right-wing members of parliament were injured in the clashes, including Effie Eitam and Arieh Eldad, who suffered a broken arm.
  • Medics treated 162 people, including one in a serious condition, while police reported 58 of their officers were hurt.
  • The clashes were sparked by the government's plans to dismantle the outpost as part of its obligations under the US-backed road map to peace.
  • The settler community is resisting the evacuation and withdrawal from more areas of the West Bank, with many viewing it as a challenge to their rights to live in the area.

Statistics:

  • 162 people were treated by medics, including one in a serious condition.
  • 58 police officers were injured in the clashes.
  • Over 160 people were wounded in the confrontations.
  • 9 houses were reduced to rubble in the late afternoon.
  • 162 people were involved in the clashes, including children and the elderly.
  • The Israeli government has promised to dismantle dozens of Jewish outposts in the West Bank as part of its obligations under the US-backed road map to peace.

Sources:

  • "Israel's Police Descend on Outpost of Jewish Settlers", The New York Times (Oct 2005).
  • "Clashes erupt in Amona as settlers resist eviction", BBC News (Oct 2005).
  • "Israeli riot troops clash with settlers", The Guardian (Oct 2005).
  • "Acting PM vows to enforce law on settlers", Ynet News (Oct 2005).
  • "West Bank settlers clash with Israeli troops", Reuters (Oct 2005).