Arabs in the area of the Machpelah in Hebron and in nearby Kiryat Arba began attacking IDF soldiers and border policeman shortly before noon Tuesday, 16 Adar 5773. An Israeli civilian appears to have sustained a light injury, the result of being struck with a rock hurled at the IDF by Arabs. He was passing the area.

Security forces are under orders to exercise restraint as Israeli leaders are hoping to restore calm and avert the launch of another PA (Palestinian Authority) intifada. The latest wave of PA violence is blamed on the death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat in Megiddo Prison on Shabbos 13 Adar. Israel insists the death was due to a heart attack but the PA insists the death was due to being tortured by interrogators.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)