Police and soldiers Monday night destroyed the Hazon David synagogue at the entrance to Kiryat Arba, the 33rd time they have razed the structure. Residents of the outpost have rebuilt it every time.

It was built several years ago in memory of Hezi Mualem and David Cohen, who were murdered by Arab terrorists at the entrance to Kiryat Arba. Prayer services have been held there daily, and the government did not begin trying to destroy it until several months ago. Hevron-Kiryat Arba residents have charged that prior to one of the destruction efforts, security personnel stole a security radio and telephone from the community's guard booth prior to the destruction.