The army remains firm in enforcing the decision not to permit a Jewish presence at the Giborim outpost along Worshipers' Path between Hevron and Kiryat Arba. This morning, as the Jewish Community of Hevron was preparing for the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors to the city for the semi-annual Chol HaMoed festival, soldiers removed dozens of persons who attempted to re-settle at the spot. At least 100 persons had gathered at the site during the night.
The outpost was originally established last November after a terrorist ambush there claimed the lives of 12 civilians and soldiers. Two days later, Prime Minister Sharon told local military leaders that there "must be Jewish territorial contiguity between Hevron and Kiryat Arba" - but the army, under government orders, dismantled the outpost several weeks afterwards. Two people were arrested following today's attempt to "make the area safe for Jews."
Oblivious to the hubbub, sources in Hevron reported that no fewer than 30,000 people had arrived in the city by this afternoon. The visitors are frequenting the Machpelah Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, as well as other important Jewish sites in the holy city.
The outpost was originally established last November after a terrorist ambush there claimed the lives of 12 civilians and soldiers. Two days later, Prime Minister Sharon told local military leaders that there "must be Jewish territorial contiguity between Hevron and Kiryat Arba" - but the army, under government orders, dismantled the outpost several weeks afterwards. Two people were arrested following today's attempt to "make the area safe for Jews."
Oblivious to the hubbub, sources in Hevron reported that no fewer than 30,000 people had arrived in the city by this afternoon. The visitors are frequenting the Machpelah Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, as well as other important Jewish sites in the holy city.