JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says troops have moved into a contested West Bank settlement housing complex ahead of its scheduled demolition.

The military says Tuesday that troops took over the under-construction complex inside the Beit El settlement overnight to remove protesters that had holed themselves up inside.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the scene and confronted the security forces.

Israel's Supreme Court has given the government until Thursday to dismantle the complex, which was built illegally. The government says it will fight the ruling and is making efforts to legalize the complex.

The military says it will hold its position and await orders on how to proceed.

Hard-line ministers criticized the defense minister for deploying the military.