Bedouin protest (Archives)
Photo: Ilana Curiel
Bedouins, JNF workers clash in south; 15 arrested
Jewish National Fund workers performing infrastructure maintenance at Negev site confronted by local resident who claim land is privately owned. Two Bedouins, one police officer lightly hurt as riot turns violent
Fifteen Bedouins were arrested Wednesday after clashing with Jewish National Fund workers in southern Israel, near the Beersheba-adjacent Goral Junction.
The JNF workers arrived at the area to perform infrastructure work, but were soon confronted by the Bedouins who claimed the land in question was privately owned.
Dozens of Bedouins arrived at Goral Junction, as the protest became violent. The rioters attempted to stop the JNF workers from working on the premises and according to the police, assaulted both the workers and police officers who were securing the scene.
Israel Police has been securing JNF sites and workers after several violent incidents involving JNF sites had taken place.
The police were able to contain the scene. Magen David Adom paramedics were called to the scene and treated two protestors who suffered mild teargas injuries. One police officer was also lightly injured.
Wednesday's riot took place just as Southern District Police Commander Yohanan Danino and Negev Subdistrict Police Commander Brig.-Gen. Avhslaom Peled were visiting the area in honor of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
