2 settlers arrested in Hebron following violence
Hebron police arrested two Israeli youths suspected of throwing stones at Palestinian homes
Two teenagers were arrested over the weekend after settlers visiting Hebron for a special prayer session reportedly stoned Palestinian homes and residents.
Settlers attacked local residents, students and journalists on several occasions, Palestinian sources charged, but security sources claimed relative quiet prevailed throughout the weekend.
Noam Arnon, Spokesman for the Jewish community in Hebron, has rejected the accusations of Hebron Palestinians, who claimed that members of the Jewish community had acted violently against them.
"I don't know of any of the incidents they reported. The Arabs have a habit of trying to shut down every holiday through provocations and insults, in order to harm the Jewish community here," said Arnon.
Palestinians claim that on the weekend which marks the Torah portion of the life of Sarah, in which special prayer took place in Hebron, violent acts were perpetrated by settlers in Hebron.
The police have arrested two teenagers who threw stones at the homes of Palestinians. There were no injuries in the incident.
Around 10,000 people came to city to attend prayers, and security sources say that the events passed off with relative calm.
A number of youths threw stones at Palestinian homes in the afternoon hours, causing damage to one of the homes. A police car was dispatched to the area, and two settlers were arrested. They are being questioned by Hebron District police.
Palestinians say that the incident is not the first of its kind, and that settlers have thrown stones at passer-bys and at Palestinian homes in the past. According to Palestinian Hebron residents, settlers have also attacked journalists and students.
The life of Sara Torah portion marks the purchasing of the cave in which Sara is buried. Every year, large crowds arrive to pray in Hebron, and stay over the Sabbath at the homes of local settlers.
Potential flash point: Hebron (Photo: Reuters)
The police and army made preparations ahead of the weekend to guard the worshippers and to avoid any potential eruption of violence.
Over the weekend, entrance to the cave area was reserved for Jews for the special prayers.
Police also guarded Kiriyat Arba, and are expected to maintain a heavy presence as worshippers leave Hebron and make their way towards Jerusalem.
According to Palestinians, the violent incidents on the part of the settlers took place in the cave area in the Kiriyat Arba region.
"Since the arrival of thousands of settlers on Friday evening, the locals and their guests began provoking us. They threw stones at homes and we saw them attack journalists and students," said a Palestinian from Hebron.
The source said that every time there are events in Hebron, "our lives turn into hell." The source said that violence escalates on the part of Hebron settlers when religious ceremonies are held in the city.
Efrat Weiss contributed to this report
