Orit Struk
Orit StrukFlash90

MK Orit Struk (Jewish Home/Bayit Yehudi) strongly condemned the demolitions in Yitzhar on Tuesday, noting that 'price tag' attacks against the IDF do not justify a show of force against the community's residents.

"Puncturing the tires of vehicles of IDF soldiers and commanders is a criminal act, and the spokesman for Yitzhar, which represents the majority of residents disapproved of it yesterday," Struk noted. "This does not justify in any way the declaration of war on the whole community because of the actions of some resident youths, especially when police know how and where to find them and bring them to justice, according to the law."  

"Collective punishment and destruction of homes as vengeance has long been rejected as illegal by the High Court in relation to the terrorists, and there is no moral or legal justification to carry it out on civilians," Struk continued, noting that Yitzhar residents' "only crime is that criminal acts were carried out near their homes." 

IDF and police forces demolished four homes in the Samaria on Tuesday, as apparent retaliation for 'price tag' vandalism on IDF jeeps on Sunday and Monday. 

Yitzhar community spokesmen have responded to the demolition with harsh condemnations of the dramatic demolition, slamming "collective punishment." 

"This policy of destruction and collective punishment by authorities against residents of Yitzhar is outrageous," a statement reads.

"It is unthinkable that the Israeli government and security forces demolished the homes of innocent people and took revenge due to the illegitimate 'price tag' actions of individuals, as serious as [these acts] are. We urge the security forces and their head to stop this policy and immediately stop the growing cycle of hostility."