Two Bedouin families abandon homes near new Jericho settlement; IDF to prevent takeover

Two Bedouin families left their homes near a new Jewish settlement in Jericho. The IDF says it will prevent Jewish takeover of the vacated houses and will escort civilian convoys. The settlement was not coordinated with the military.

Two Bedouin families living near the new Jewish settlement on the outskirts of Jericho have abandoned their homes in recent days under unclear circumstances. The IDF claims it tried to dissuade them from leaving, but without success, and will now act to prevent Jewish takeover of the abandoned homes. The settlement began on Wednesday, when 20 Jewish families entered eight homes that they claim were legally purchased by the Nahala movement and accompanied by the Binyamin Council. The homes are located in Area C, near the archaeological site of the Hasmonean Palaces. The IDF emphasizes that the event was not coordinated or arranged with the military, and since the entry, the army has been forced to divert three combat platoons from routine security missions to secure the area. The settlers, for their part, express confidence in the military presence and note that escorted convoys depart every two hours.