The Prime Minister’s Office said the actions violated an agreement reached between Barak and the leaders of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. The council’s leaders had promised to refrain from any one-sided activities and to coordinate all their moves with the government.
Newly appointed council chairman Benny Kashriel cabled Barak Sunday deploring the settlers’ actions. He stated that no one had been consulted about the decision to move the mobile homes onto the hilltop.
“It was a very irresponsible move without any consultation with council officials,” said council spokeswoman Yehudit Tayar.
Peace Now was quick to praise the government’s actions, saying it proved its intentions to maintain law and order in the West Bank.