Olmert calls for end to violence
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Akko riots
Photo: Dudu Azulay
Olmert urges police to 'show zero tolerance' in Akko
Prime minister tells cabinet he instructed security forces to bring about complete cessation of violence between Jews, Arabs in northern city
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
on Sunday urged the police to show determination in its battle against the violence
between Jews and Arabs in the northern city of Akko.
According to the prime minister, "There is a national minority in the State of Israel
which constitutes almost 20% of Israel's residents, and it must create a space for itself according to the laws of living in a democratic state. This is what we believe we must do and need to do."
Speaking at the start of the cabinet meeting, Olmert said, "I have instructed the police to show zero tolerance and bring about a cessation of the violence in Akko and a continued cooperation between the parties."
Police Deployment
Hagai Einav
Police remain on high alert in northern city for fear riots will be resumed. At least 54 Jews and Arabs arrested since clashes began on Yom Kippur. Members of Hashomer Hatzair youth movement to build 'sukkah of peace' in city
He added that "for years Akko was a city which excelled in living together, a mixed city, and this is something which lifted up and flourished the city. But now there is a feeling that large circles of the city residents are turning into hostages in the hands of small groups of extremists from both sides, Jews and Arabs, leading them to violence, fanaticism and a lose of the right criteria."
The prime minister went on to call for tolerance. "Even if conflicts may take place and often takes place between residents of any mixed town, the need for mutual respect and mutual tolerance between Jewish and Arab residents in the State of Israel is an issue constantly on my mind.
"In the past year I have attempted to create a process of dialogue with the Arab population's leadership. I sought to create a situation in which we moderate radical views, reduce the frictions and create a dialogue out of the belief that there is no escape from living together."
Earlier Sunday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said during a Labor ministers' meeting that the Akko Festival should be held as planned and that "the rioters must not be allowed to harm the fabric of life in the city and country." He added that law and order must be restored in the city.
Prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni toured Akko on Friday, also calling on the police to show determination.
According to the Kadima chairwoman, the State of Israel will not allow citizens to take the law into their hands and damage property. She added that the violent incidents are a watershed aimed at determining "if we will remain in the past with all our angers or work to improve the relationship between Jews and Arabs from now on."
