Israel's Olmert takes on West Bank outposts

As they tried to evacuate this unauthorized West Bank settlement outpost, Israeli forces clashed with hundreds of settlers and their supporters in scenes reminiscent of last year's Gaza pullout but marred by far more violence that injured more than 200 people.

The decision to dismantle Amona, upheld by an Israeli court Wednesday after a predawn appeal, is one of the first steps Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has taken to show that he is following in the footsteps of incapacitated Premier Ariel Sharon.

Moves to rein in illegal West Bank outposts have generally won public approval in Israel. Olmert has suggested that he, like Mr. Sharon, remains committed to the road map for peace. But as March elections approach, the violence at Amona and uncertainty brought on by Hamas's victory may undermine support for the moderate Kadima party, now led by Olmert, and continued withdrawals and negotiations with the Palestinians.

Two members of parliament were hurt in the melee at Amona. But most of those injured were young protesters who said they came in peaceful opposition to the evacuation of this smattering of homes perched above the larger settlement of Ofra, north of Ramallah. Some, however, barricaded themselves on rooftops and dropped rocks, paint, and cooking oil on Israeli forces. Police charged with clubs, injuring scores and raising charges of excessive force.

"We were just sitting on the ground, arm in arm, and they started to beat us with their clubs," says Mor Dahan, a seminary student who had his head wrapped up in bandages, a common sight. "They went in on horseback and they started to hit everything that moved."

He blamed the tough tactics on Olmert's drive to gain support. "Who is he? He's only a temporary prime minister, without a mandate from anyone," cries Mr. Dahan. "If they treat us this way, next time, we'll be more militant with them, too."

But Olmert, in comments to Israeli media, said that the settlers behaved violently. "When there are those standing with concrete blocks and throwing them on the heads of police and soldiers, that is not ideology, but gratuitous violence. It crosses all lines," he said.

Also Wednesday, Olmert stated that because of the militant Hamas party's win, Israel would not transfer a monthly tax refund to the Palestinian Authority. Israel did not make the payment, which it says averages $44 million, saying it will not deal with a government it deems headed by a terrorist group. The money is based on duties that Israel collects on goods imported to the PA.

"The Hamas people say officially that Oslo and all the agreements should be null and void... so it is totally illogical for them to say that this part of the agreement should be respected," says Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Mark Regev.

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