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Israeli court permits Yitzhar ‘activist’ to return home

During the court hearing, the judges dismissed the state prosecutor’s request to keep Neria Zarog in police detention until the case is resolved.

By World Israel News Staff

A Yitzhar resident who had been legally banned from his home for three months has been released on Tuesday, reports Arutz Sheva.

In September, IDF Central District Commander Major-General Nadav Padan issued an administrative order against Neria Zarog that barred him from his home in the community and almost all of Judea and Samaria for three months

The order characterized Zarog as a “dangerous, violent and extreme activist, who is well known to security forces in the area. He was banned from entering the region because of recent violent acts against both Palestinians and the security forces,” said IDF defense sources quoted by Ynet.

However, Zarog refused to adhere to the military order.

On Oct, 10, Zarog barricaded himself inside a structure and locked himself to a large metal saw to avoid being arrested. Members of the community tried to protect Zarog from the police who came to extradite him, Arutz Sheva reported at the time.

According to the report, three policemen and 15 settlers were reportedly injured in the altercation.

On Oct. 17, Zarog was taken to court in Petach Tikva to sign the restraining order.

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Zarog refused, claiming that he cannot sign a restraining order that takes him away from his wife and two children.

“They are tearing us away from the land because we have no interest in money, not desire and not honor, but only the land of Israel in its purest [form], that seems to bother people,” he said.

“As soon as I sign on the restraining order, I am agreeing with it. I want to be released but I can’t sign on something I didn’t do,” he added.

During the court hearing, the judges dismissed the state prosecutor’s request to keep him under arrest until the case is settled.

Upon his release on Tuesday, Attorney Nati Rom, who represents Zarog stated, “We’re pleased that Neria is returning to his home and his family today. Neria received an undemocratic order that severely violated his basic human rights, which has no place in a democratic state,” reported Arutz Sheva.

“I hope that in the future the army and police will avoid using the anti-democratic tool of administrative detention against Israeli civilians who have done no wrong. Let us remind you that this is a young man with no criminal record, and with no evidence presented against him,” Rom added.