Bedouins in 'Day of Rage' attack: four police officers injured

Today (Saturday) was declared by the Palestinians as the international Day of Rage because of their opposition to the Prawer Plan regulating Bedouin settlement in the Negev, demonstrations against the issue are expected to take place elsewhere in the world as well.

Near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, several dozen Jews and Arabs demonstrated against the plan. Police said some of them threw stones at police and tried to block the road on the scene. Forces dispersed them with the assistance of water cannons and cavalry, and without casualties. A protester was arrested on suspicion of violating the order.

Hundreds of residents of Taybeh, Tira and Qalansawa demonstrated on Highway 444 near the town of Taybeh against the Prawer outline regulating Bedouin settlement in the Negev. The demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and banners saying, "We will continue to fight against Prawer."

Clashes erupted in Haifa during the Day of Rage against the Negev Bedouin settlement program. About 600 protesters blocked Allenby corner Ben Gurion Streets, and the police responded by firing water cannons and stun grenades. Eight demonstrators were detained, and clashes continue on the scene.

About 1,500 protesters came to protest against the Prawer Plan on Highway 31 at the Hura intersection in the Negev, and began throwing stones at police. Clashes broke out, so far seven were arrested, and four policemen were lightly injured.

Coast District Commander Hagai Dotan was slightly injured in the demonstrations, Negev District Police spokesperson Nava Tabo was also slightly injured in her foot from a stone.

During the disturbances of the two hundred or so locals at Azaria nearby Ma'ale Adumim, who threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Border Police officers, use was made of riot control measures. Two fighters were slightly injured, were treated and returned to activity.

A police spokesman said: "Clashes in the Negev and Haifa against the Prawer Plan for regulating Bedouin settlement: During the day there were demonstrations across the country in the "Day of Rage", the primary were in Hura in the Negev and Ben Gurion in Haifa. Israeli police prepared beforehand for the protests and reinforced its forces in those places with tens of policemen. In places where protests turned into disturbances of order, fire helicopter and cars were activated to disperse the crowds as well as stun grenades. Currently, in each of the zones, the Negev and Haifa, there are hundreds of protesters, while the events are controlled by the police. So far 17 protesters were arrested, 10 policemen sustained minor injuries and were taken for care. Israeli police will allow in any place legitimate protests subject to law, and will enforce firmly violent disturbances."

Chief of Police, Chief Commander Yohanan Danino, discussed events and said in a conversation with the district commanders: "The police prepared in advance for dealing with the protests today, thereby preventing an escalation of all incidents."

"The police would allow the existence of legitimate protest events according to the law and will not allow violations of law and order and the impediment of daily life of the residents in violent events, as we have seen today, and are continuing to these moments in the north and south."

"I strengthen the commanders and police officers and convey best wishes to those who were injured."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!