Israel restricts far-right Jews

2006-06-24 22:52

Jerusalem - Israel has issued restricting orders against 13 extreme-right Jewish activists in what is seen as a precursor to the removal of illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank.

An Israeli army source said on Saturday that the activists were suspected of taking part in violent acts against Palestinians and clashes with security forces.

The orders were issued after the Shin Beth internal security service gathered information indicating the men intended to use violence to resist the evacuation of the wildcat outposts.

Under the administrative warrants, issued by defence minister Amir Peretz and counter-signed by the head of the army's central command, the 13 activists will not be allowed to approach the area of the evacuated outposts.

Last week, Peretz ordered police to prepare for the removal of the first group of four outposts in the West Bank.

The orders will be given to the activists in the coming days, and will be valid for a period ranging from three months to a year.

Under the "road map" to peace, Israel must evacuate all settlements built after March 2001.

Official figures put the number of these settlements at 105.

- AFP