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Tensions continue to simmer after rioting continues in Arab Israeli communities
Unrest continued over the weekend in Arab Israeli communities across the country following the murder last week of a Palestinian teenager in East Jerusalem.
Violence erupted on Wednesday morning and has subsequently continued, especially in the neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem following the murder of 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khedir. During Friday and Saturday, there was significant rioting in Nazareth in northern Israel, where around 1,000 youth confronted police, throwing rocks and burning tyres. In the Triangle region of Arab towns in central Israel, Jewish motorists were reportedly pulled from their cars and beaten. Police made 31 arrests during the violence.
Meanwhile, a number of incidents took place in Jerusalem on Saturday night. Two cars were set alight in the Nof Tzion neighbourhood while a fire was started near Har Homa. Clashes took place between local Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces in a number of East Jerusalem areas. A fire bomb was thrown at a vehicle near Gilo and a Jewish religious seminary was reportedly attacked in the Old City.
Yesterday, Israeli authorities announced that six Jewish Israeli extremists had been arrested over the murder of Abu Khedir. However, the violence appeared to be less serious that during the previous two days. Around 100 protestors threw rocks at security personnel in Nazareth and 14 arrests were made. Rocks were also thrown at the Tamra Junction in northern Israel. Meanwhile, Route 70, a major artery was closed after local Palestinians tried to block traffic. According to Israel Radio news, demonstrations last night were also reported at the entrance to Omer and several Bedouin towns in the southern Negev region.
At the start of yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the violence, saying “We are taking a tough line against anyone who breaks the law and against inciters from whatever side.” He added, “There is no place in the State of Israel for stone-throwing at police, throwing firebombs, blocking roads or destroying property.”