Israel's government today sent the security forces into Beit Shalom in Hebron and forcibly evicted its residents, despite overwhelming evidence that the building was legally purchased from its previous Arab owner.

In a shocking display of ruthlessness, the government has trampled on the property rights of the Jewish owners, tossing to the wind one of the foundations of democracy and civil society.

What happened today in Hebron was an outrage. It was an act of treachery and tyranny by a caretaker government with no mandate and no moral justification.
Make no mistake - this travesty was carried out for purely political motives. The Labor party and Kadima are both sagging in the polls, and fear that parties such as Meretz will steal their thunder and their votes.

Since there is no better way to try and win the hearts and minds of the far-left than by sending in baton-wielding troops to smash up "the settlers", that is what took place today - broadcast live courtesy of Israeli television.

Whatever one thinks of the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, all can and should agree that what happened today in Hebron was an outrage. It was an act of treachery and tyranny by a caretaker government with no mandate and no moral justification.

Shame on those who made the decision - and shame on us, the public, for not raising our voices more loudly to prevent it from happening.