In Huwara, a pizzeria faced destruction on Thursday night, orchestrated by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). The reason behind this drastic measure was the use of a photograph featuring a kidnapped elderly woman from the villages surrounding the Gaza Strip in the pizzeria's advertisement. Notably, journalist Amit Segal reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu was personally involved in this decision. It appears that the actions taken that Thursday night were part of the process to permanently close down the establishment.
Earlier in the day, journalist Amit Segal had published a photograph displaying the pizzeria's advertisement, and called himself for the destruction of the building housing the business. Consequently, Israeli protesters congregated at the scene. Security forces swiftly arrived to defuse the situation, leading to the arrest of two young Israeli men involved in the incident.
פיצה חווארה הפכה לפיצה חרא, מצטער יאיא...
— Aviad Bracha (@AviadBracha) October 12, 2023
כל הכבוד לחיילי המילואים האלופים שתפסו יוזמה והחזירו מעט מן הכבוד האבוד, תודה 🙏🏻❤ pic.twitter.com/maq8yeD41r
What sets this event apart is the unprecedented decision by the commander of the Central Command to take action against the pizzeria, effectively closing it for good. Historically, such measures like sealing or demolishing a building were reserved exclusively for terrorists responsible for the murder of Israelis. Even the homes of terrorists who had wounded Israelis were left untouched. This action reflects a policy-shift of Israel within Judea and Samaria, with an emphasis on zero tolerance towards any type of incitement or violence.
An IDF spokesperson asserted that "in recent days, a business from Huwara published ads that incite and encourage terrorism." Following this revelation and in accordance with the law, the General of the Central Command issued an order for the immediate closure of the business.
Surprisingly, the owner of the pizzeria, whose establishment was destroyed by the IDF following the inappropriate use of an image of an elderly woman who had been kidnapped to Gaza during a past conflict, has spoken out for the first time. He shockingly apologized to the Israelis he had hurt by using the image in question, stating, "We are very sorry to the family that was hurt and the other people that were hurt. We are very sorry for the picture that came up. The picture is, of course, not from our initiative." He claimed that "someone tried to hurt us. We are against harm, we are against harm to people and women and just want to earn a living with dignity and live in peace with everyone. We are very sorry to all those hurt from the lady’s family and the others who were hurt."
פיצריה בחווארה פרסמה בפייסבוק שלה את הפוסט הזה. כמה שיח היסטרי היה פה לפני רגע וחצי על "למחוק את חווארה" של סמוטריץ'. וואלה למחוק. לפני שימחקו אותנו באמצעי עזה סטייל. pic.twitter.com/sDv6JVs8x1
— Sara Ha'etzni Cohen (@SaraHaetzniCohe) October 12, 2023
These developments occur against a backdrop of high tensions in Judea and Samaria. The IDF made numerous arrests on Thursday night in anticipation of possible terrorist activities on behalf of Hamas. This followed a call from the organization for all its supporters to take action and "defend Al-Aqsa."
