SETTLERS RETURN TO HOMESH

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000546 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/26/2018 TAGS: KWBG PBTS PREL PHUM IS SUBJECT: SETTLERS RETURN TO HOMESH REF: A. 07 JERUSALEM ¶B. 07 JERUSALEM 576 ¶C. 07 TEL AVIV 2995 Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On a March 26 visit PolOff verified that settlers maintain a presence at Homesh settlement, which was evacuated in 2005. PolOff met 5 youths and a rabbi at Homesh who said they had re-established the yeshiva there. PolOff saw no IDF presence at the settlement. END SUMMARY ¶2. (C) On March 26, PolOff visited the former north West Bank settlement of Homesh, which was one of four West Bank settlements evacuated during Gaza disengagement in 2005 and a frequent site of protests for ideological settlers. Per reftels, there have been numerous attempts by settlers to reoccupy the area, which has required IDF attention and resources. ¶3. (C) PolOff encountered a rabbi and five youths, who said they maintain a twenty-four hour presence and have re-established the yeshiva that once housed 100 students. They said there are "tens" of settlers living at Homesh. The rabbi pointed to the surrounding Arab villages and said "soon this will all be filled with Jews" adding that "Only God knows the future." One 14 year old Amcit settler told PolOff that he had come from Haifa to Homesh before its evacuation and now lives at the site. The rabbi said "within one to two years" Homesh will be fully reestablished. PolOff observed that the settlers are camping near the last remaining structure on the hilltop, a large water tower painted bright orange. ¶4. (C) COMMENT: The full time presence of settlers at Homesh (and the apparent absence of the IDF) is significant. Settlers have engaged in a regular game of cat and mouse with the IDF at Homesh since its evacuation, and they appear to have succeeded. END COMMENT. WALLES