Defense Minister Ehud Barak reiterated on Saturday his commitment to crack down on conscientious objectors within the IDF who refuse to expel Jewish residents from their homes in Judea and Samaria, saying that the defense establishment should act forcefully to crush this phenomenon and that "a country that wishes to live must put an end to refusal by the Right and Left with an iron fist."

According to a statement released by his office, the defense minister is expected to hold a number of meetings in the coming days with law enforcement and intelligence officials. During the talks, he is expected to decide on how to treat those who incite and encourage refusal among soldiers.