Netanyahu calls 'price tag' reprisals unacceptable

Peres downplays fear of settler violence after ceding territory in peace deal; Aharonovitch tells cops disturbances will be dealt with.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN, JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu with soldiers near Jordan 311 (photo credit: Moshe Milner / GPO)
Netanyahu with soldiers near Jordan 311
(photo credit: Moshe Milner / GPO)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday addressed settler violence carried out in the past week under the guise of their "price tag" reprisal policy, saying the whole concept is completely unacceptable.
"We don't have private militias," the prime minister said during a tour to the Jordan Valley intended to stress the area's strategic importance for Israeli security.
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"I unequivocally reject this concept and those who break the law will be dealt with accordingly," Netanyahu added.
Also Tuesday,President Shimon Peres, speaking in Ashkelon, downplayed fears of violence emanating from the settlements.
There will be no civil war amongst Israelis in the event that an agreement is reached with the Palestinians, that includes the ceding of territory in the West Bank, the president said.
Speaking to reporters, Peres was confident that settlers affected by such a measure would accept the majority decision.
It would not be easy he acknowledged, because the settlers would be inclined to blame everyone for their change in status, but even if a major dispute should erupt, Peres was certain that things would work out in the long run and that the settlers would agree to return to live inside Israel's defined borders if they were adequately compensated in terms of territorial exchange or if they were assisted in relocating to one of the three major settlement areas.
Peres was in Ashkelon to receive honorary citizenship of the seaside city adding to the many honors which have been conferred on him throughout his years of public service.
Also on Tuesday, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch spoke once again about the disturbances that took place last week during the demolition of several structures at the Gilad Farm outpost.
Speaking at the Police's annual Southern District Conference, the minister told police that, "we will not be deterred from dealing with disturbances."
"Day of rage?" he said, referring to a day of protests by settlers in which they blocked roads and caused disturbances, "they should unleash rage upon themselves."
"Anyone who thinks he can come and block roads, break the law and thinks that the police will not be there, is wrong," he said.
"The police will be there," he assured.