Tekumah - a faction of the National Union party, which also comprises Moledet, led by MK Benny Elon, and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu - and other nationalist bodies have announced the launching of a new campaign designed to explain to policemen and soldiers their rights. Volunteers will explain to the security forces that they are permitted not to "take part in the uprooting of Jews from their homes."
MK Tzvi Hendel explained to Arutz-7 today that there is nothing illegal about the campaign: "A soldier is permitted to tell his commander that he simply is unable to carry out such an order, and that he is willing to stand trial if he has to. I don't think that we will reach a situation where such orders will be given - because I don't think that the government will implement such dictatorial policies. But if, Heaven forbid, we do not succeed, I hope that there will be enough Jews who realize the illegality of such a move - just as Yossi Sarid came out in the past so strongly against the idea of uprooting Arabs from their homes. I expect criticism: the fact that I breathe is reason enough for some left-wingers and some in the media who strongly embrace Sharon to criticize me. But there is nothing at all illegal about this program."
Hendel explained that this is merely part of the ongoing campaign to "ensure that we don't ever reach the day when orders to expel Jews from their homes are given by the Israeli government. On Sunday, there will be a giant demonstration against the disengagement, and after the Sukkot holiday, there will be an event unprecedented in Israeli history: 100 simultaneous giant demonstrations in 100 cities throughout the country. A large screen will be set up in Jerusalem and images from the various demonstrations will be screened on it. It will be something amazing... I believe that in the end, the Likud MKs will wake up and realize that Arik Sharon is initiating a civil war - I have no other word - and will stop the process before it reaches that stage."
MK Tzvi Hendel explained to Arutz-7 today that there is nothing illegal about the campaign: "A soldier is permitted to tell his commander that he simply is unable to carry out such an order, and that he is willing to stand trial if he has to. I don't think that we will reach a situation where such orders will be given - because I don't think that the government will implement such dictatorial policies. But if, Heaven forbid, we do not succeed, I hope that there will be enough Jews who realize the illegality of such a move - just as Yossi Sarid came out in the past so strongly against the idea of uprooting Arabs from their homes. I expect criticism: the fact that I breathe is reason enough for some left-wingers and some in the media who strongly embrace Sharon to criticize me. But there is nothing at all illegal about this program."
Hendel explained that this is merely part of the ongoing campaign to "ensure that we don't ever reach the day when orders to expel Jews from their homes are given by the Israeli government. On Sunday, there will be a giant demonstration against the disengagement, and after the Sukkot holiday, there will be an event unprecedented in Israeli history: 100 simultaneous giant demonstrations in 100 cities throughout the country. A large screen will be set up in Jerusalem and images from the various demonstrations will be screened on it. It will be something amazing... I believe that in the end, the Likud MKs will wake up and realize that Arik Sharon is initiating a civil war - I have no other word - and will stop the process before it reaches that stage."