Defense Minister Amir Peretz said in a radio interview shortly after noon Wednesday, "I have the ultimate authority" to order the expulsion of Jews from the recently-purchased building in Hevron.
Speaking on Voice of Israel government radio, he rejected suggestions that the Olmert administration does not back his policy. "Whoever wants to oppose can do so, but I am the one who has the authority," Defense Minister Peretz maintained.
He stated that despite the fact that Jews purchased the house legally, their presence breaks the status quo and "causes unnecessary strife" when we are trying to make an agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PA). The Defense Minister said the people living in the structure did not ask for his permission until after they moved in, and that such permission is required under the law.