Focus: The Riots in Hebron
Focus: The Riots in Hebron
Violence erupted in Hebron late Friday afternoon, just as the local Jewish community began celebrating the Jewish New Year. Rocks and fire-bombs were hurled at Israeli security forces guarding the borders between PA and Israeli-controlled neighborhoods and burning tires were rolled into Jewish neighborhoods in the city.
The violence continued through Saturday and Sunday, and at various times the road leading to the Jewish neighborhood was closed. IDF soldiers fired rubber bullets at the rioters. One Arab was reportedly shot and killed after shooting at Israeli soldiers.
Tens of firebombs and pipe bombs were hurled at military positions yesterday. Automatic gunfire was also reported to have been fired late last night from the hills overlooking Hebron. Bullets were heard ricocheting off walls of one of the buildings in the neighborhood. There were no reports of injuries.
Hebron leader Noam Arnon issued a statement blaming Shimon Peres and Yossi Beilin “for the escalation in violence. They are responsible for Jewish lives in Hebron. If one Jew is injured, they will be held responsible. We will pursue them using every legal and public forum available. They gave rifles to our enemies and must face the consequences of their actions.”
In spite of the violence, hundreds of people from Hebron and Kiryat Arba, including scores of visitors, went ahead with celebrating the Jewish New Year in the city of the Patriarchs. Jewish youth distributed apples and honey – traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashana – to Israeli soldiers. Many of the guests are still stranded due to the IDF closure of almost all roads in Judea/Samaria and Gaza.
Used with Permission from International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.