Extreme-rightists vow to fight Arab rioters

Sheikh Jarrah's Jewish population fears violent Arab riots due to expected Palestinian UN bid. Spokesman tells Knesset: Will not allow 1929 events to repeat themselves

Ronen Medzini|Published: 09.07.11 , 16:48

Gearing for battle? "We will not allow the 1929 events to repeat themselves. We're all for an eye for an eye, a rally for a rally. If stones will be cast at us – we will cast stones back. If a war will be declared against us – we'll fight back," indicated Yonatan Yossef, the spokesman for the Jewish population living in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, on Wednesday.

Yossef addressed the Knesset ahead of the Palestinians' expected United Nations statehood bid later on in September.

Related stories:

Knesset Member Michael Ben Ari (National Union) initiated Wednesday's Knesset debate in preparation for possible riots in east Jerusalem and in the West Bank ahead of the Palestinian bid.

Sheikh Jarrah protest (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Yossef claimed before the Knesset that the Arab residents of Sheikh Jarrah are quite busy these days getting ready for upcoming riots.

"A couple of years ago the court, which is the god of the leftists, issued an order for four Arab families from Simeon the Just neighborhood, where they lived illegally. Ever since then we've experienced constant provocations," he stated.

He noted that aside from Arab residents, left-wing extremists and anarchists also incite against the Jewish population living there. "They send an Arab boy to hit a Jew as a provocation, and when he gets hit back, he falls to the ground and chaos begins. That's their method of action."

'Not hesitating to execute Dromi Law'

Yossef also warned the Knesset about possible violent rallies in the neighborhood. "If such marches will head in our direction and attempt to enter our homes, we will not think twice about executing the Dromi Law."

The Dromi Law allows homeowners to shoot burglars without facing criminal charges. The legislation was introduced following the case of southern farmer Shai Dromi who shot and killed a Bedouin who broke into his farm.

"I'm just saying it'll be very easy to retaliate. When someone hits you, you don't have to be a Christian and turn the other cheek," added Yossef.

As he was leaving the Knesset, Yossef remarked that if it was neccery he would use violence against the Arab residents. "What do you think, that I'll let them come in to my home and kill my wife and children? That's I'll call the police? That I'll be put on hold until they arrive?"