IDF Investigates Alleged Burning of Holy Items During Evacuation
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
An investigation has been launched by the IDF into allegations that soldiers burned personal belongings and religious items, including tefillin and holy books, during the evacuation of Nachalat HaNeviah Hill in the Benjamin region. Videos surfaced showing a soldier dragging a mattress toward a fire and a threat to use tear gas. Separately, a protester was injured by a soldier during a confrontation at Shilo Junction. Despite the incident, residents are working to re-establish the outpost.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF is investigating claims of soldiers burning religious items during an evacuation.
- Videos show a soldier dragging a mattress toward a fire during the Nachalat HaNeviah Hill evacuation.
- Residents allege tefillin and holy books were among items destroyed in the fire.
- A protester was injured by a soldier's baton at a separate confrontation at Shilo Junction.
- Despite the incident, residents are already working to rebuild the outpost.
A controversy has erupted in the Israeli settlement movement following the evacuation of Nachalat HaNeviah Hill in the Benjamin region, during which personal belongings and, according to residents, religious items were allegedly burned. Videos circulating online appear to show an Israeli soldier dragging a mattress towards a fire, and one recording captures a soldier threatening to use tear gas. Separately, a protester was injured during a confrontation at the Shilo Junction.
The incident occurred last weekend near the settlement of Esh Kodesh. During the evacuation of civilians from the hilltop outpost by security forces, a fire broke out, consuming a significant amount of personal property including clothing, food, furniture, and mattresses. Residents and activists claim that among the burned items were holy books, study books, and pairs of tefillin.
One widely shared video shows a soldier dragging a mattress toward the blaze, while another features a soldier warning that tear gas would be used if anyone attempted to extinguish the fire. These recordings have drawn sharp criticism from settlers and activists, who are demanding an investigation into the circumstances.
The IDF stated that forces were acting to evacuate Israelis from a closed military area, and that a fire subsequently broke out. The army confirmed that the circumstances of the fire are under investigation but did not specifically address the allegations regarding the burning of personal and religious items.
In a separate incident near Shilo Junction, a protest against the evacuation turned violent. Footage shows a masked soldier striking a protester on the sidewalk with a baton. Reports indicate the protester sustained an arm injury requiring medical attention. The full details of this confrontation are also unclear.
Despite the destruction of property, residents and activists have begun efforts to re-establish their presence on Nachalat HaNeviah Hill. Shortly after the evacuation and fire, activists reportedly arrived with new equipment purchased through public donations to rebuild the outpost.