A number of Arabs and left-wing Israelis were arrested in the Givat HaMuchtar area near Bat Ayin. According to reports, a group of about 20 Arabs and leftists came close to the Jewish community, reportedly to tend their crops. The left-wingers explain they escorted the local Arab farmers to protect them from the Jews.

A scuffle ensued and the leftists told police they were assaulted by the “settlers”. Police arrested a number of Arabs who they believe hurled rocks at the Bat Ayin residents. The area was then declared a closed military zone by an IDF commander, leading to the arrests of another Arab and a number of left-wingers who refused to leave as ordered.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)