IDF forces, Border Police and Civil Administration personnel arrived Wednesday morning near the Samaria village of Qusra to evacuate an outpost established in the area several days ago.
As the eviction operation began, Hilltop Youth activists arrived at the site and blocked access roads with large rocks in an attempt to delay the security forces.
Central Command chief Avi Bluth also arrived at the scene and monitored the operation before leaving about an hour later. Security forces are currently working to clear the area and evacuate those present without clashes.
The outpost was established approximately three days ago near Qusra and is considered an extension of the Tel Talpiyot outpost. Palestinian officials claimed that its establishment blocked access to homes in the area and disrupted residents’ daily lives.
The eviction comes amid reports of several incidents in recent weeks involving Israeli citizens entering homes and Palestinian areas near Qusra and the nearby village of Jalud and taking control of them.
An IDF spokesperson described the reported incidents as “illegal, despicable, and improper activity." The IDF also said that several Hilltop Youth activists attempted to enter the area in an ambulance after a closed military zone order had been issued prohibiting anyone who is not a resident from entering.
“Upon the ambulance’s arrival at the crossing, IDF forces identified Israeli citizens inside it who sought to enter the area under its cover," the spokesperson said.
The IDF condemned the incidents and said that all those involved would be dealt with in coordination with the relevant security authorities. The military added that if regular or reserve soldiers are found to have participated in the incidents, they will face disciplinary proceedings.