June 26th, 2005

IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT

Construction of illegal outpost prevented in Southern Gaza Strip.

As a result of security assessments and information indicating the
intent of extremists to use uninhabited structures in the southern Gaza
Strip to construct an outpost prior to the disengagement the IDF
demolished 11 uninhabited structures this afternoon, near the Israeli
community of Shirat HaYam in the southern Gaza Strip. According to IDF
assessments, the construction of this outpost could have led to possible
confrontations.

The activity was completed quickly and decisively. During the activity,
dozens of civilians illegally entered the closed military zone that was
declared, in an attempt to interfere with the IDF activity and vandalize
IDF equipment and vehicles. As a result of this rioting, scuffles broke
out between the civilians and the IDF force at the scene, during which
10 Israeli civilians, an Israeli Policeman, 4 Border Policemen, and 5
IDF soldiers were lightly wounded and were taken to hospital for further
treatment.

During the activity an IDF soldier shouted out a political statement in
public. He was taken from the scene and will be tried by a senior
officer.

The IDF remains obligated to protect the Israeli civilians living in
Gush Katif and will ensure the preservation of law and order whenever
necessary.

The IDF strongly rejects violent behavior against IDF its soldiers by
extremist elements.