Destruction began Wednesday after the High Court upheld a decision to tear down two controversial housing structures known as the Draynoff buildings in the West Bank settlement of Beit El after nearly two days of violence between settlers and police at the scene.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in wake of the riots and destruction that 300 new housing units would be approved for Beit El along with new construction in Jerusalem.

More violence erupted in wake of the court's decision as tractors arrived in Beit El to tear down the Draynoff buildings and water cannons fired on rioters in the streets. Ten of the rioters were arrested and at least six were lightly wounded.

Photo: Tazpit News Agency

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked pointed out that despitego down, the government should too," he said.

Right-wing activists clash with Border Police (צילום: אלי מנדלבאום ) X Violent encounters first began late Monday night when activists barricaded themselves in the Draynoff buildings and resisted police attempts to remove them.

Photo: Tazpit News Agency

Arrests were made and the rest of those inside the buildings were removed using riot dispersal measures. The activists claimed that security forces used tear gas inside the buildings in an attempt to remove those present.

Settlers throw stones at security forces in Beit El (צילום: עופר מאיר) X

Education Minister Naftali Bennett spoke to the crowd in Beit El Tuesday afternoon, decrying the government's use of the military in the settlement overnight on Monday.

Photo: Tazpit News Agency

"In the early morning hours I spoke to the prime minister.