Prosecution to probe whether (Israeli) settler leader incited to rebellion

The Jerusalem Post ^ | 20 December 2004 | YAAKOV KATZ

[anotherview]

Dec. 19, 2004 21:38 | Updated Dec. 20, 2004 22:40
Prosecution to probe whether settler leader incited to rebellion
By YAAKOV KATZ

The Justice Ministry will 'look into' statements made by Binyamin Regional Council head Pinchas Wallerstein, calling for civil disobedience against the Gaza pullout, to decide whether he will be charged for incitement to rebellion.

After the probe, the folder will be passed on to the Attorney General, who will make a final decision whether or not to open a criminal investigation.

The decision was made Monday night at an emergency meeting called by Attorney General Menahem Mazuz with the upper echelons of the Justice Ministry to examine Wallerstein's comments and decide upon an avenue of legal response.

Following the meeting, Mazuz announced that he would not subject Wallerstein to a criminal investigation, but added that he would not hesitate to open criminal procedures against anyone who 'crosses the line', even if the defendant is an elected official.

Yesha announces support of Wallerstein's statements

The Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip (Yesha) convened Monday evening and released a statement supporting Wallerstein's call to break the law and go to jail if necessary to resist the evacuation of settlements.

"The Yesha Council repeats Mr. Wallerstein's statements that the proposed law to remove Jews from their homes is immoral, violates human rights, and contradicts democratic principles and must be opposed even if the price is sitting in jail," Yesha Council head Benzi Lieberman read.

Lieberman also added that Yesha does not support violence or civil war.

Yahad MK Ran Cohen responded angrily to Yesha's decision to support Wallerstein's statements. "The council's members are creating a mood that is paving the way for the next political assassination," Cohen charged.

Peace Now slammed the Yesha Council, saying that they have exposed their true colors as a violent organization that disregards the law.

Under the headline "Compensation Law Equals Immoral Transfer," Wallerstein - head of the Binyamin Regional Council and senior member of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha) - fired off a letter to settlers Sunday night urging them to break the law in the fight against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan, even if it draws jail time.

Attorney General Menahem Mazuz will examine the comments made by Binyamin Regional Council head Pinchas Wallerstein and determine whether Wallerstein has broken Israeli law by calling for civil disobedience against the Gaza pullout.

During a break from the Yesha Council meeting on Monday evening, MK Effi Eitam, chairman of the National Religious Party (NRP), backed up Wallerstein's letter, referring to it as a "genuine outcry."

"Wallerstein's letter was a genuine cry for help at a time when the political system is corrupt and is fooling the public," Eitam said, "there is no other way to maintain sanity at a time like this and the council will call on the public to defend democracy and on the politicians to hold general elections."

Eitam also said that the council would not call for actions that will create a rift within Israeli society and will not issue a call for a rebellion. However, he said, "we will not allow for the law to be trampled."

Nevertheless, Eitam added that Sharon is obligated "to return to the people" and to hold a national referendum on the disengagement plan.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday called Wallerstein's remarks "very harsh."

"I know Pinchas Wallerstein well. We have known each other for years. I don't believe that this is his way. I understand the pain involved in the withdrawal. It is painful for me too, but the disengagement is vital. The rule of law will be maintained," Sharon said.

[yatros from flatwater]

"The rule of law will be maintained," Sharon said.

Or, in other words, "L'etat c'est moi"

[anotherview]

I definitely don't see it the way you do. There are those among the settlers (no, not Mr. Wallerstein) actually advocating violence and threatening civil war. No nation can tolerate that.

Israel, like the United States, is a nation governed by the rule of law. Prime Minister Sharon SHOULD want to see the laws of the land enforced. That hardly makes him dictatorial.

[yatros from flatwater]

As seen by the Israelis who are contemplating the forcible exile now in store for them, Ariel Sharon does resemble the autocrats of Bourbon France - or any other dictator. He has been twisting the reins of government this way and that. I would refer you to this editorial from one closer to the scene.

[anotherview]

Sorry, but I rarely agree with Arutz Sheva, the voice of the far right ultra-nationalists. FWIW, I am pretty close to the scene. Please see my profile. I do have family in the territories and I am there regularly (but certainly not in Gaza).

[Honestfreedom]

Sharon has just ignored his party when it votes against the disengagement, fired Cabinet Ministers who did not support him, etc. He is acting more like a dictator than the opponents are acting seditious. I would agree that there should be zero tolerance for anyone who proposes violence against Israeli soldiers. Certainly that should include Arab MK members. The Israelis seem to be ruled by self hating Jews who want to throw Israelis in jail for opposing throwing Jews out of their homes while turning a blind eye to those who openly advocate genocide against Jews.