Homes at outpost in Samaria demolished by IDF, Israeli police

The outpost has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt since its founding in 2007 in memory of Esther Galia, an Israeli who was shot and killed by Palestinian terrorists.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Civil Administration personnel on Tuesday demolished structures in Maoz Esther, an outpost adjacent to the community of Kochav Hashachar, located in the Binyamin region of Samaria.

Hundreds of police, accompanied by forces from the office of the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and heavy equipment arrived at the outpost to prevent outpost residents and demonstrators from disrupting the demolition. The forces encircled the homes and began carrying out the demolition.

Some 30 youths have been arrested. The Honenu legal aid society said that it was providing legal assistance to the detainees.

“From our experience at such events, human rights are trampled without care,” said Honenu director general Shmuel Meidad, adding, “I warn the forces and their dispatchers not to raise their hand against morality and the law. All evil behavior as we have experienced in the past will expose you to lawsuits.”

Maoz Esther has been repeatedly destroyed since its founding in 2007 in memory of Esther Galia, who was shot and killed by terrorists on her way home to Kochav Hashachar. Each time, activists have returned and rebuilt the structures.

There are several homes in Maoz Esther, including one belonging to a couple married just a few months ago.

“I saw vehicle after vehicle entering the town this morning, including a number of police and military trucks, in addition to other unmarked vehicles,” said a Kochav Hashachar resident who preferred not to be named for this report.

“When I saw two bulldozers at the gate, I had a feeling they were headed to Maoz Esther. I couldn’t get over the sheer number of soldiers and police that arrived,” he added.

“As I left the town, I asked an older officer who appeared to be directing military vehicles what was happening. ‘Nothing,’ he responded, before waving at me to move on,” said the Kochav Hashachar resident, stating that “there are young, idealistic kids living at Maoz Esther, fighting for what they believe is right and trying to build a future.”