The Almagor organization for victims of terrorism denounced statements by Defense Minister Amir Peretz criticizing reserves soldiers who clashed with leftists near Hevron on Wednesday. The group called on Peretz to support the soldiers, and to arrest the leftists, who tried to destroy a checkpoint. If he does not, members said, they will file a complaint with the Supreme Court.

The group praised the soldiers for “acting with determination” against “those who come to damage Israel’s security.” If soldiers are not allowed to act against those who damage checkpoints and security fences, the group warned, terrorists will gain more freedom of movement, and will stockpile weapons in Judea and Samaria as they do in Gaza.