Settlers block roads, train tracks on 'Day of Rage'

"Price tag" operations and blocking of roads take place near Jerusalem in response to West Bank outpost demolition.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Settlers protesting in Jerusalem 311 Reu (photo credit: Baz Ratner / Reuters)
Settlers protesting in Jerusalem 311 Reu
(photo credit: Baz Ratner / Reuters)
Security forces were preparing for a "Day of Rage" planned by settlers to take place throughout the country on Thursday.
About 15 protesters attempted to block Route 1 near Latrun with tires. Two policemen failed to clear the road, until more arrived and the route was opened 15 minutes later. Protesters also briefly blocked the train tracks from Ben-Gurion Airport to Modi'in on Thursday.
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In addition, burning tires were placed at the entrance to Jerusalem, blocking traffic early Thursday morning. Police moved the impromptu roadblocks to the side of the road and traffic slowly resumed its morning pace. It was not immediately clear who placed the burning tires.
The protests were expected as a response to the demolition of several illegally constructed buildings in the West Bank outpost of Gilad Farm on Monday.
Army radio reported that in addition to blocking roads throughout the country, "price tag operations" were expected to be carried out. "Price tag" is the name given to acts of vandalism against Palestinians in response to state actions against settlements.
Already on Tuesday, extremist activists engaged in a number of “price tag” activities, smashing Palestinian car windows, throwing a Molotov cocktail into a home and rolling burning tires into two West Bank Palestinian villages. On Monday night, activists blocked roads in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Israel Police Insp.-Gen. Dudi Cohen on Tuesday held discussions with senior police officials to evaluate the situation in the West Bank after settlers claimed that police allegedly used rubber bullets during the Gilad Farm demolition.
"At this time we must show responsibility, restraint and avoid an escalation in violence at any cost. The Israeli police will be prepared for any scenario," Cohen said.