Female settler makes victory gesture after the December 2008 demonstrations

In an unusual step, the [Israeli] Defense Ministry will pay a total of NIS 250,000 in compensation to 50 Palestinians whose property was damaged during the forceful evacuation of the so-called “House of Contention” in Hebron last December.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the security forces to evacuate the home whose ownership is disputed, and where several hundred settlers had congregated. In parallel with the preparations for the evacuation, right-wing activists in Hebron rioted, setting cars and homes ablaze, breaking windows and assaulting Palestinians.

Settlers call this tactic “price tag.” In response to the evacuation of illegal outposts by the authorities, they damage Palestinian property, block roads and cause disturbances, in an effort to deter the government from further decisions to evacuate outposts.In Hebron the rioting was particularly violent, in view of the many months of struggle over control of the four-story structure. Most of the damage to property occurred in the Ja’abari neighborhood, which is near the house. The head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank, Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai, toured the city of Hebron and recognized that the damage was particularly severe. On the basis of his evaluation it was decided to undertake the unusual step of compensating the Palestinians.

Usually, Palestinians whose property is damaged are required to file a claim in a long and complicated process that involves the Palestinian Authority. The chances of being compensated in a reasonable amount of time are considered limited.

The defense minister authorized Mordechai’s recommendation to establish a committee that would evaluate the claims for compensation on a relatively expedite basis. Appraisers on behalf of the Defense Ministry visited Hebron, accompanied by Civil Administration officials, and made a record of the damage. In parallel, the Civil Administration enabled the Palestinians, some of whom had applied directly to the authorities and others through attorneys, to file their claims with the special committee.

Last week the committee decided to pay a total of NIS 250,000 in compensation to 50 plaintiffs.

The expedited process for which Mordechai succeeded in gaining approval is indicative of his significant influence in the defence establishment. Mordechai has been at the post for the past two years, and was recently offered to move to military intelligence, in view of an urgent need to fill the top spot there. No decision has been finalised, because Mordechai’s continued role as head of the Civil Administration is considered essential.

Since Major General Yosef Mishlav stepped down from his position as head of co-ordinating activities in the territories – to whom Mordechai is answerable – Amos Gilad, who heads the political-security bureau at the Defence Ministry has acted in his stead. Defence Minister Barak and Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi are expected to announce the appointment of a permanent replacement to Mishlav soon.

The behaviour of the Jewish settlers in this protest at the end of last year was unacceptable – whatever their grievances. Despite what the Pallywood media and its leftist followers would have you believe, Israel generally behaves with decency and respect for the dignity of non-Jews,  both within her borders and outside. So this incident was exceptional in the extreme.

The reason we’re covering this story, however, is not related to the settlers, nor is it related to the demonstrations. We considered that this agreement by Israel to compensate Arab Palestinian Muslims for behaviour of  an element of its own citizenry is illustrative of the massive morality gulf that exists between the democratic, pluralistic Israeli State and the political gangsters that run the West Bank and Gaza.

How much of the $7.7 billion the Palestinians will get in ‘aid’ between the time of these riots and 2010 will be earmarked as compensation for Israeli citizens (this does not include any Arab donations – many of which never arrive, despite being promised)?

What about the damage done to homes, schools and hospitals by the daily bombardment of Qassam rockets into Ashkelon and Sderot? What about the injuries to innocent men, women and children? Who pays for this?

When will the Palestinians stop teaching their children that the Israeli Jews are the ‘children of apes and pigs’, compare their words to the deeds of their so-called ‘oppressors’ and start to demonstrate some reciprocity of goodwill?

[Main Story: Haaretz]

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