In protest of Monday's home demolition carried out by Israeli security forces at the Givat Ronen outpost, settlers blockaded 11 intersections across the West Bank on Monday evening.
The demonstrations were organized by the Samaria and Benjamin regional councils. From early Monday morning, council activists telephoned citizens to encourage them to come out to the evening protests.
The Neveh Tsuf, Kochav Hashachar, Tzomet Shiloh, Tzomet Hadoar, Tzomet Hawara and Tzomet Shavei Shomron intersections were among those that were blocked.
In two of the locations, there were confrontations. In Shavei Shomron, a Border Guard launched a stun grenade at the demonstrators in an effort to disperse the demonstration. In Nachliel, young men threw rocks at a Palestinian truck. The driver managed to escape and later returned to retrieve the vehicle, escorted by IDF soldiers.
"We haven't seen an awakening like this in a long time," Samaria Regional Council Chair Benny Katzover told Haaretz. "There were many intersections, and we had many people, 100 or 150 people. As we near the end of the building freeze, the public feels that it is necessary to stick to our guns and make it clear that if the freeze is extended, there will be no peace in Judea and Samaria."
Planning for the blockading of intersections has been underway for the past several months. Haaretz revealed two months ago that rabbis and community leaders have put out a call to block intersections in the wake of outpost demolitions.
"Actions such as these in 30 to 40 intersections can set off a wave that will reach the decision-makers in this country and affect the freeze and demolish policy," the rabbis and leaders said.
"In order to awaken the leaders in Jerusalem, we need to break out of our routine. Protest actions throughout the area are what are needed to put pressure and to send a message that we do not accept the continuation of the freeze and the evil destruction and ruin," they continued.
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