IDF Spox Slams Ha’aretz Headline
The IDF Spokesman’s office has just issued the following press release:
Ha’aretz” Headline Regarding IDF Community Dismantlement HQ Baseless
Following this morning’s headline in the “Ha’aretz” Israeli daily newspaper, the IDF Spokesperson wishes to emphasize that reports that the IDF has set up a special headquarters to dismantle communities in the Judea and Samaria region are baseless. This clarification has been verified with the CO of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni and the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Noam Tibon.
It must be stressed that the IDF has not received a government order to dismantle the communities or to prepare for such deployment.
These facts were explained thoroughly to the “Ha’aretz” reporter and bureau chief following an incorrect headline published in yesterday’s newspaper. The IDF regrets that the editorial board chose to ignore the facts presented to them.
With regards to the article’s reference to the IDF Chief of the General Staff, it should be made clear that in accordance with Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi’s unfaltering stance, the Israel Police and Border Police are to have the initial interaction with Israeli civilians in such situations, once decided, as had been done in previous occasions. This is due to their proficiency in such matters and the training that police forces undergo.
The presentation of the Chief of Staff’s view as an attempt by the IDF to “dodge responsibility” in all that concerns dismantling communities is fundamentally incorrect, offensive and redundant.
This announcement is in accordance with the standpoint of the Ministry of Defense and the office of the Minister of Defense.
Today’s Ha’aretz article “Police set up special unit ahead of mass outpost evacuation” is here, and yesterday’s article (“IDF planning to evacuate all illegal West Bank outposts in one day”) is here.
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