The Israeli government response to the Hebron massacre was swift. It consisted of strong condemnation; the imposition of administrative detention on leaders of radical settlers, four of whom were arrested at once; extremists would not be allowed to enter Judea, Samaria and mainly the Hebron area and their arms permits were revoked. A commission of inquiry was established to investigate the events in Hebron. It was headed by Justice Meir Shamgar, president of the Israel Supreme Court. Israel also decided on an early release of 800 Palestinian detainees and prisoners. "Kach "and "Kahane Chai" groups were outlawed The territories were effectively closed and steps were taken to import foreign workers to Israel. Text of the communique follows:
At the weekly cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 27.02.94:
1. The prime minister and the defense minister, the police minister, the chief-of
staff, the police inspector-general and the acting OC Central Command briefed the cabinet on last Friday's massacre at the Tomb of the Patriarchs and on the ensuing events.
2. The cabinet made the following decisions:
A. To establish, given the extraordinary circumstances involved, a commission of inquiry, in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Law 5729-1968, regarding the massacre at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron on 25.2.94. The foreign minister, the justice minister and Minister Amnon Rubinstein were entrusted with formulating the powers of the commission, in consultation with the attorney-general and the cabinet secretary.
B. The cabinet decided, after hearing the report of security elements and after having been presented with the opinion of the attorney-general, to take the following series of measures on an individual basis against radical elements among the Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria:
1. The imposition of administrative detentions;
2. The extension of restraining and supervisory orders against the entry of certain persons into the Judea, Samaria and Hebron areas, and;
3. The disarmament of specific individuals and the confiscation of their weapons permits.
C. To charge the attorney-general with the task of exploring and proposing options for the outlawing of the "Kach" and "Kahane Chai" organizations.
D. To record the statement of the prime minister and defense minister on the release of about 800 Palestinian detainees and prisoners from arrest and detention. The intent is to release up to 1,000 detainees and prisoners within the coming week.
E. The Tomb of the Patriarchs will be opened only after new arrangements for security and prayers have been determined.
3. The cabinet empowered the prime minister and defense minister, the labor and
social affairs minister, the agriculture minister, the construction and housing minister and the finance minister to decide on a temporary regulation - with the consent of the cabinet - concerning civilian matters regarding the closure in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, including the employment of foreign workers.