Thousands of Jews are visiting Hevron during Passover and signing a petition demanding that Jews be allowed to live in a home they bought.
Fifteen families moved into the three-story building last week after it was purchased from an Arab, but Defense Minister Ehud Barak immediately opposed their presence, and the IDF called it a “provocation.”
Despite proof that the building was legally purchased, Barak exercised his power to order their expulsion because he had not personally approved their entry. He sent Border Police, backed by soldiers, to evict the families, including women and babies.
Nationalist leaders have presented Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with documents proving that the building was legally bought, and petitions are being signed in an effort to pressure the Prime Minister to convince Barak to rescind his ban or leave the government coalition.
Photos by Hezki Ezra