Leftists protest during Peres' speech
Photo: AFP
Yariv Oppenheimer
Left, right-wing activists protest Peres' participation in Ariel ceremony
Jewish National Front members interrupt president's speech during event marking settlement's founding with chants of 'Oslo criminal' and 'terrorist'; Peace Now head: Ariel thorn in the side of the future Palestinian state
Left and right-wing activists held separate rallies in Ariel Wednesday evening in protest of President Shimon Peres' participation in a ceremony marking 30 years since the establishment of the West Bank settlement.
Police forces securing the event detained two rightists suspected of throwing eggs at members of Peace Now.
Right-wing activists from the Jewish National Front organization, including Baruch Marzel and Itamat Ben-Gvir, repeatedly interrupted Peres' speech with chants of "Oslo criminal" and "terrorist". Outside the event hall protestors carried signs reading "Peres president of Palestine' and 'Peres responsible for the murder of Jews".
Peace Now members during rally (Photo: AFP)
Peace Now Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer told Ynet that the leftists were protesting because "Peres, who is committed to the peace process and is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, should not speak in praise of a settlement situated in the heart of the West Bank.
"He who carries the banner of peace cannot take part in an event such as this. Peres' participation in the ceremony in Ariel is shameful," Oppenheimer said.
"Today it is clear to everyone that Ariel is a historic mistake that may hinder any agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. Ariel is thorn in the side of the future Palestinian state."
Roni Lifschitz contributed to the report
