Burning tire, Molotov cocktail flung at vehicle in Galilee
No injuries reported; police looking into possibility incident linked to upcoming Arab 'Land Day' events. 'We can't let extremist minority dictate our agenda,' council head says
A burning tire and a Molotov cocktail were thrown at a vehicle traveling in the lower Galilee region on Sunday. No injuries or damage were reported, and no suspects have been detained as of yet.
Police who arrived on the scene found a number of firebombs ready for lighting at the side of the road. One year ago, a day before Palestinian 'Land Day', an explosive device was found in the same spot. Police determined that it was planted by Arab-Israelis, but no arrests were made.
'Land Day' is an annual day of commemoration in the Israeli Arab community and in Arab communities worldwide, meant to protest the 1976 killing of six Arab citizens during an Israeli government's bid to "confiscate lands". It is usually marked by general strikes and mass marches.
Israel's Arabs are expected to mark 'Land Day' on Tuesday.
Chief Superintendent Amal Khalil, commander of the Misgav police station told Ynet that investigators are looking into a possible connection between last year's incident and Sunday's attack. He said the area has not seen any security-related incidents over the past year and that police have not received any warnings of possible attacks ahead of 'Land Day'.
Misgav Regional Council head Ron Shani said, 'Land Day' has been marked in this area for years with marches and rallies, and for the most part we are not affected. Most of the Galilee's Arabs want to live in peace.
"As severe as this incident is, we cannot allow an extremist minority dictate our agenda," he said.
