In a reversal of a four-year policy intended to deter terror attacks, Defense Minister Mofaz accepted the findings presented by Chief of Staff Moshe ("Bogie") Ya'alon that the demolitions are now unnecessary. The defense minister also reiterated Ya'alon's advice that the policy will be reexamined if there "is an extreme change in circumstances."
IDF officer Major General Udi Shani, who headed the military committee that investigated the policy of demolitions, said the policy was often ineffective.
The Rabbinical Council of Judea, Samaria and Gaza called the decision "a continuation of the foolish policies of the Jewish state, in which the homes of terrorists are more protected than the synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Samaria, which are slated for destruction."
Knesset Member Ehud Yatom (Likud) said today that he is personally aware of dozens of cases in which families turned in relatives who were potential suicide bombers out of fear for their property, thus saving Israeli lives.
However, an Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades terrorist leader, whose house was demolished a few months ago after he organized a suicide bombing, said the razing "motivated me more to send people on [terror] missions." Ala Sankara told the Associated Press that he did not rebuild his house because of fear the army would destroy it again.
IDF officer Major General Udi Shani, who headed the military committee that investigated the policy of demolitions, said the policy was often ineffective.
The Rabbinical Council of Judea, Samaria and Gaza called the decision "a continuation of the foolish policies of the Jewish state, in which the homes of terrorists are more protected than the synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Samaria, which are slated for destruction."
Knesset Member Ehud Yatom (Likud) said today that he is personally aware of dozens of cases in which families turned in relatives who were potential suicide bombers out of fear for their property, thus saving Israeli lives.
However, an Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades terrorist leader, whose house was demolished a few months ago after he organized a suicide bombing, said the razing "motivated me more to send people on [terror] missions." Ala Sankara told the Associated Press that he did not rebuild his house because of fear the army would destroy it again.