Religious Jews against withdrwal

An important sector of the ultra-orthodox Jewish community has decided to take to the streets in protest against what they describe as Israel's intention to carry out the second phase redeployment of its troops in the West Bank.

The Habad movement decided to send its followers to main road intersections with placards saying the withdrawal is "dangerous for the Jews." The movement is believed to be the mastermind of the "Netanyahu is good for the Jews" slogan that was raised prior to the general election in Israel in May 1996. The slogan, many believe, helped win election for Netanyahu.

Today, Habad is apparently disappointed by reports that Netanyahu is close to take a decision to hand over 13 percent of the West Bank to the Palestinian government. "We want to show the public the extent of the danger in giving back territory," said Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky, a senior member of the movement.

The chief rabbi of Habad, Meir Gutnick, said that Netanyahu "has got to understand that he's reached the moment of truth. There are no compromises, nor can there be any compromises on this issue."