Qusra, West Bank: Clashes broke out in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday as Israeli security forces moved to evacuate a settler outpost built near Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra.
The Israeli military confirmed that the evacuation operation was underway. The outpost had been established near the entrance to two Palestinian homes.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the outpost was located in Area B of the West Bank. The military had issued a closed military zone order for the area.
Israeli Forces Begin Evacuation
The IDF said Border Police forces first removed a canopy from the site. They then began evacuating settlers who were staying there.
However, clashes broke out as settlers resisted the operation. Security forces were deployed in the area to control the situation.
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The military said some settlers had blocked an access road to the Palestinian homes. They reportedly used rocks to prevent access.
The clashes followed several days of tensions around the homes.
Palestinian Family Reportedly Besieged
Settlers had been blocking access to the Palestinian homes since Sunday. As a result, residents reportedly faced difficulties entering or leaving their houses.
The settlers also reportedly cut electricity lines serving the homes.
Youssef Hassan, the owner of one of the houses, told The Times of Israel that large numbers of settlers arrived at the site on Tuesday.
According to Hassan, Border Police used crowd-control measures, including tear gas, against the protesters.
Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth also arrived at the scene as the operation continued.
Military Says Operation Was Leaked
The evacuation reportedly faced another problem after details of the operation appeared in Israeli media.
Reports initially claimed that the IDF and Border Police had already dismantled the outpost. However, the actual operation began about an hour later.
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As a result, dozens of settlers reportedly had time to reach the area before the security forces completed the evacuation.
A security source cited by Army Radio said the operation had been leaked before it began.
The source said the leak allowed dozens of settlers to reach the site. The situation then developed into a large confrontation in the village.
Soldiers Face Disciplinary Action
The IDF also confirmed that some Israeli soldiers had previously been filmed praying with settlers at the outpost.
The footage was recorded earlier this week. The soldiers were expected to remove the settlers but were instead seen praying alongside them.
The military said disciplinary action would be taken against the personnel involved.
Senior Israeli military officials also met with the Palestinian family affected by the settler activity.
The officials included Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, West Bank Division chief Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller and Border Police West Bank Division commander Assistant Commissioner Niso Guetta.
The commanders also visited nearby settler outposts.
According to the IDF, they discussed the actions carried out by Israeli civilians against the Palestinian family. They also ordered further measures in response.
Tensions Continue in the West Bank
The incident highlights continuing tensions between Palestinian residents, Israeli settlers and security forces in the occupied West Bank.
The evacuation is taking place in an area where settler activity has remained a major source of tension.
Meanwhile, the clashes around Qusra continued as security forces worked to remove the settlers and dismantle the outpost.
