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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Israeli Settlers Defy Demolition, Blame Obama

Israel bulldozes illegal outpost after Netanyahyu's DC visit

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(Newser) – Jewish settlers whose tiny outpost in the West Bank was demolished by the Israeli army—just days after Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington—returned hours later and started rebuilding, reports the Times of London. Netanyahu reportedly agreed to Barack Obama's demands to dismantle illegal outposts in the Palestinian territories, but settlers, encouraged by a rightwing lawmaker, were defiant. "It says in the Bible that this land is ours," said one. "God is stronger than Obama."

This is the second time that security forces have bulldozed the tiny settlement of Maoz Esther, which at its largest had only six makeshift homes. But nationalist politicians have seized on the destruction, which they describe as an American incursion or a political ploy. One settler, a woman wearing a headscarf, was declared: "Building settlements is the most important commandment in the Torah."

Israeli border police walk next to Jewish settlers after they demolished seven structures in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.
Israeli border police walk next to Jewish settlers after they demolished seven structures in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli Jewish settlers salvage material from destroyed structures that were demolished Thursday by Israeli troops, in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Friday, May 22, 2009.
Israeli Jewish settlers salvage material from destroyed structures that were demolished Thursday by Israeli troops, in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Friday,...   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
Israeli Jewish settlers try to rebuild a structure demolished earlier by Israeli troops in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.
Israeli Jewish settlers try to rebuild a structure demolished earlier by Israeli troops in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli security forces demolished a minor Jewish outpost in the West Bank on Thursday, three days after President Barack Obama told Benjamin Netanyahu that he must halt settlement activity.
Israeli security forces demolished a minor Jewish outpost in the West Bank on Thursday, three days after President Barack Obama told Benjamin Netanyahu that he must halt settlement activity.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli Jewish settlers try to rebuild a structure demolished earlier by Israeli troops in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.
Israeli Jewish settlers try to rebuild a structure demolished earlier by Israeli troops in the West Bank outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, Thursday, May 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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8 comments
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IN RESPONSE:
Asymmetry
May 22, 09 9:32 AM CDT
Yes, because we are all fully aware that Christians have NEVER committed any historical atrocities.
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
May 22, 09 8:05 PM CDT
Your religion is vile and disgusting just like all the others.
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+1
polstroad
May 22, 09 9:00 AM CDT
It seems that Obama is heading toward a showdown at long last with Israel. Though I am an ardent supporter of Israel, it unwillingness to halt illegal settlement building is in keeping with the Right's refusal for a two-state solution. Reply
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+1
freethemall
May 22, 09 10:06 AM CDT
Reading this story, and these comments illustrates the problems caused by Jewish and Christian religious fundamentalist. Of course, the problems caused by radical Muslim fundamentalism is well known. I say, a pox on all of their houses. I think of John Lennon's song, "Imagine". I'm certain that fervent adherents to any of these religions would be quick to say how misguided I am, to lump their true religion in with the false religions. Would that all people were humble enough to admit that maybe, just maybe, they could be mistaken about their religion. Reply
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
May 22, 09 11:23 AM CDT
Amen to that.
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