Mother of Neriya Zarug Denounces Administrative Detention Without Charges in West Bank Settlement
Ronit Zarug, mother of Neriya Zarug, spoke to Channel 7 about the administrative detention order imposed on her son last week. Despite years of restraining orders and house arrests, no formal charges have ever been filed against Neriya. Zarug described her son as a married father of five who has dedicated his life to establishing settlements across Judea and Samaria, currently serving six months of house arrest without indictment.
Ronit Zarug emphasized the strategic importance of the hills where her son and his wife have settled, stating that these communities help prevent terrorism, theft, and crime. The family has repeatedly faced evictions, demolitions, and restraining orders in various settlements including Kumi Ori, Geulat Zion, and currently Tekuma. She criticized the lack of transparency, saying, "If he is so dangerous, why are no charges filed? We are told there is confidential material, but we don’t know what the accusations are."
The house arrest has severely impacted the family’s livelihood, as Neriya cannot leave home or work, and his wife is unemployed. Ronit recounted the recent eviction from Givat Tal Talpiot, where homes were demolished down to their foundations, sometimes with earth dumped on the ruins to prevent reuse. She described the community’s resilience, rebuilding in a "Homa U'Migdal" style reminiscent of 1930s settlement efforts.
She also highlighted escalating violence during evictions, including an incident where Border Police used live fire and tear gas grenades, severely injuring a teenager who is now undergoing rehabilitation. Ronit recalled the traumatic moment masked officers arrived at their home to deliver the detention order, frightening her grandchildren who mistook them for militants. She concluded, "Since then, our lives have stopped."
This interview sheds light on the ongoing tensions and hardships faced by settler families under administrative detention policies in the West Bank, with no clear legal process or charges presented against detainees like Neriya Zarug.
