Druze continue to riot, hurl stones at police

Three police officers lightly wounded in clashes over gas line laid on disputed land

Ahiya Raved|Published: 05.04.10 , 17:22

After several hours of tense calm, clashes on Route 70 erupted again on Tuesday between Druze protesters and special police forces trying to keep the road open to traffic.

The protesters on the site are hurling stones at law enforcement officials. Three policemen were injured, including one officer.

The Druze demonstrators are protesting against the laying of a natural gas pipeline on lands belonging to them before the completion of negotiations over compensation.

Police take care of wounded man during clashes (Photo: Hagai Aharon)

Since Tuesday morning, the protesters partially blocked Route 70 from HaAmakim Junction to Tishbi Junction.

The clashes brought to the surface internal struggles within the Druze community pitting more moderate sheikhs, led by spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafak Tarif, against more extreme sheikhs, led by Sheikh Imad, who is one of the land owners of the disputed lots.

Sheikh Ali Moadi Mirqa, who is in Sheikh Imad's camp, told Ynet: "We are not against Jews and not against the State. We are part of the country. We established it, but we will not move from here until there is an agreement on each dunam. We will stay here for as long as needed. A day, two days, five days. This is our land. We don't have any land left. Since the establishment of the State, 84% of the Druze land have been expropriated."

Another protester, Zaher Rafat Zaher, said: "We are willing to die for our land."

'Far-reaching government proposal'

The Prime Minister's Office addressed the riots, mainly referring to the compensation of land owners.

"The compensation offer that was put together and offered to the Druze landowners through whose property the pipeline passes is far-reaching. The Prime Minister's Office even showed maximal flexibility when it accepted the request of the landowners and amended the cabinet's decision. Unfortunately, some of the landowners went back on it and stiffened their positions regarding the compensation they are requesting."

Police officer wounded during clashes (Photo: Hagai Aharon)

The P's Office added that "The government has national responsibility to erect vital infrastructure throughout the country. This natural gas pipeline to Haifa Bay reflects responsibility for the health and improved standard of living of Israel's citizens."

After work on the pipelines was halted nearly two years ago due to controversies regarding land ownership, construction was taken up once again about here months ago.

The government decided to go ahead with laying the pipeline, but talks between Israel Land Authority and the landowners have yet to bear fruit.

The pipeline, which is intended to supply natural gas to the power station in Haifa and many factories in the area, will pass between Dor Beach and Haifa Bay. So far, the pipeline has been laid between Dor Beach and Yokneam, and between HaAmakim Junction and Haifa. The work on the 11.5 km (7 miles) still remaining is expected to be completed within a few months.