Gaza settlers homes 'should not be demolished'

Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said today that Israel’s security will improve after Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip this summer – but over time.

Mofaz also told Israel Radio he “unequivocally” opposes demolishing Jewish settlers’ homes after they are evacuated, saying it would put soldiers in danger.

“I think our security situation the day after the evacuation will improve over time,” Mofaz said on the occasion of Israel’s Memorial Day.

“I also hope the number of civilian and military casualties will diminish to a minimum. This has to be looked at as a process, and not as a point in time immediately after the evacuation.”

Leaving Gaza will afford Israel greater security “at a much lower cost,” Mofaz said.

There is debate within the government over whether to leave settlers’ homes standing after the pullout. Opponents say they want to spare settlers the sight of jubilant Palestinians taking over their homes. Mofaz today repeated his support for letting the buildings stand.

“The defence establishment has concluded that it is not right to demolish the settlers’ homes,” he said.

The operation would stretch out the evacuation, and require soldiers to remain in hostile territory to raze the buildings, he said.

“I am not willing as Israel’s defence minister to endanger soldiers to demolish settlers houses,” he said.