Residents of the Binyamin Regional Council district community of Beit El are fed up with daily attacks by Arabs, with the latter targeting homes in the western area of the community, near the border fence. Some 150 residents protested along the fence that separates the community from Route 60, opposite Jalazoun, the PA (Palestinian Authority) area from which the Arabs who attack homes come from.

Residents explained these attacks have been taking place for months and the time has come to end the ‘cat and mouse’ games that take place between Arabs and IDF troops and do what must be done to halt the violence. There was a large presence of law enforcement forces including police, Yassam commandos and IDF soldiers, and for a period of time the road was closed to Arab motorists, fearing the protestors would attack their vehicles.

The protestors refused to comply with instructions from police and the situation deteriorated, leading to the arrest of five residents. Protestors block the road to prevent police from transporting the detainees. Police eventually succeeded in transporting those taken into custody, including one resident, a paramedic often called to treat victims of Arab attacks in the area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Tatzpit Agency)