Activists in Hevron are prepared for a struggle after the government announced its intention to expel the residents of the Peace House.
The Peace House was purchased from an Arab by Morris Abraham, a New York businessman, for 700,000 dollars. Not long afterwards, the Arab reneged and now claims the Jews of Hevron invaded his property. Although the community of Hevron claims to possess evidence that the Peace House was purchased legally, the Supreme Court ruled that the government may expel the residents until the property dispute is settled in a lower court.
This Monday, December 1st, activists sent out urgent messages for reinforcements fearing the end was near. On Tuesday, fights broke out between Arabs and Jews while the army did little in response. The entire area was declared a closed military zone and put under police control. A 16 year old youth from Beit El, Elyashiv Asban, was seriously wounded in the head by a brick thrown by an Arab.
Today, Wednesday, police clashed with activists in and around the Peace House. Minister of Defense Ehud Barak announced his intention to meet with the leaders of Hevron tomorrow, Thursday.
The community of Hevron hopes it can hold off the expulsion until the Israeli elections which are set to take place soon. Perhaps the new government will be kinder to an expanded Jewish presence in the city of Hevron.