Israeli Forces Demolish Homes Near Palestinian Archaeological Site

Israeli security forces, including the Border Police and the Civil Administration, demolished three homes, a sheep pen, a chicken coop, and a dining room in a settlement outpost near the Palestinian village of Tarfon, adjacent to the settlement of Ataret in the Benjamin region. Two vehicles and other equipment were also confiscated during the overnight operation.

According to the outpost residents, the demolitions were a result of a legal proceeding initiated by a petition filed by Palestinians. These Palestinians, the residents claim, had previously encroached upon the archaeological site of Khirbet Tarfin, located near the outpost. The residents stated that the historical site dates back to the Second Temple period and has suffered from damage to ancient remains and artifact looting for years.

Tarfon residents allege that the encroachers were previously removed by the Civil Administration but later returned to the area and built two homes. Following the establishment of the outpost, these Palestinians reportedly petitioned the High Court of Justice (Bagatz), demanding that the IDF allow their return to the area and order the evacuation of the settlement outpost. The residents criticized the court for not immediately rejecting the petition, especially given the Palestinians' alleged admission of building homes on the site.

Furthermore, the Tarfon residents criticized the Ministry of Defense and the Civil Administration for not opposing the petition in court and for failing to present the residents' claims regarding the damage to the archaeological site. They expressed bewilderment that instead of fighting the petition, the authorities carried out the "violent and brutal demolition" at the outpost.