At the solidarity demonstration with the residents of Ras Ein al-‘Auja, organized under the leadership of “Mistaclim LaKibush BeEinayim” (“Looking at the Occupation in the Eyes”) and attended by organizations opposing the occupation, approximately 300 demonstrators participated. They arrived at the village on Friday morning and raised signs supporting the residents from the hill overlooking the outpost of Micha Sodai, from which youths with their herds set out daily with the sole aim of carrying out the ethnic cleansing of Area C in the occupied West Bank on behalf of the Israeli government. Later, trees were planted in the courtyards of the homes of residents who chose to remain in their community, and a solidarity visit was held at the local school, which was closed for the winter break.

Member of Knesset Zvi Sukkot (Otsma Jehudit party) arrived at the site accompanied by police and military forces and confronted the demonstrators while spreading false claims such as “there was no violent action by settlers in the village.” Uniformed forces escorted him away from the demonstration area.

Throughout the week, activists were present at various sites in Ras Ein al-‘Auja in order to protect residents from aggression by settlers and their proxies, the outpost youths. However, their presence and documentation did not deter the violent acts of the outpost residents. Settlers entered the local mosque with a herd, invaded residential compounds and livestock shelters of the residents, sent their herds into food supplies purchased by the residents, and used physical violence against activists. These incidents were reported to the police, but police forces did not arrive in real time at the scenes, and when they did arrive, they took no action to prevent the violence.

The property of families who chose to abandon Ras Ein al-‘Auja attracted settlers, who began looting the possessions of the displaced. During the week, incidents of property theft by settlers were documented; they arrived by vehicle and were filmed loading equipment taken from homes that were in the process of being dismantled. The home of a woman living alone was broken into one night, and property and money were stolen.

The outpost that was established within Ras Ein al-‘Auja and served as a violent catalyst for the expulsion process was dismantled after the terror mission was completed. The family living near the site of its establishment was forced to leave first after settlers attacked their sons while imposing a daily siege. However, acts of terror continued throughout the entire week, including provocative marches marked by gloating and displays of force. In one case, a group of about ten youths and adults approached the home of a family that chose not to evacuate and began shouting provocations at local teenagers: “If you’re men, come to us.” One of the provocateurs then drew a handgun, and the local youths fled. Another tactic used by settlers is blocking the road leading to the village by herding sheep along it. Police officers who arrived at the scene chose to issue fines to Palestinian drivers.

Once again this past week, the presence of Gabriel Kalish, the security coordinator of Mevo’ot Yericho, was noted. He chose to position himself in the area of the mosque, armed with a guitar, and sang. The fact that a herd of settlers invaded the mosque elicited no response from him.