Border Police at Od Yosef Chai (file)
Border Police at Od Yosef Chai (file)IDF Spokesman

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Likud) has decided not to extend the seizure order issued last year against the Od Yosef Chai yeshiva (Torah academy - ed.) building in Yitzhar, in the heart of Samaria, according to Channel 10.

For the first time in over a year, police and IDF forces will vacate the premises and allow students to return. 

The yeshiva was initially seized by Border Policemen in April 2014, following clashes between an extreme element in the community and security forces.

The cyclical clashes began after a house was destroyed by the IDF, sparking tire-slashings of two IDF cars. In response, four local homes were demolished, triggering conflict with local youths and the destruction of an IDF outpost.

In the interim, yeshiva activities have been moved to a different complex, and students may only enter the original building at certain times and for very short periods. 

A spokesman for Yitzhar protested the extension, which follows months of what residents say is discrimination specifically targeted at their community.

Since then, Yitzhar has also protested the ongoing discrimination against not only community members, but officials who try to help; several months ago, MK Meir Porush (UTJ) was turned away at the door during a campaign visit.