President Reuven Rivlin issued the following statement on Wednesday, 20 Teves, following the fatal vehicular terror attack in the Bedouin community of Um Chiran. Staff-Sgt. Erez Levi HY”D was murdered in the attack.

“We are in the midst of a terrible event, in which Sgt. Erez Levi was murdered by a terrorist in a abhorrent terror attack. At this difficult time, all our hearts are with his family and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured policemen.

“I spoke this morning with Chief of Police Roni Alsheich, and with Arab regional authority heads. We must differentiate in the clearest of ways between the terrible terror attack carried out this morning, and the actions of law enforcement in demolishing the illegal buildings.

“We must fight terror with an unwavering and firm hand, wherever it is found. I turn to all leaders across Israel, particularly in the Arab community, and say this is a stressful and difficult time, and we must all work together and do everything in our power to bring calm, in words and in actions.

“The arrangements of the Bedouin community in the south, are a national and civil challenge, which has stood before Israel for many years. We must find a solution and a plan to deal with this burning national, social, and civil issue – before it is too late.”

The photo was taken at the levaya of the slain policeman Sgt. Levi HY”D, which took place in Yavne on Wednesday afternoon. Levi was a member of the Yassam commando unit. Police Chief Roni Alsheich and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan participated in the levaya.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)