IDF vehicle stoned in Wadi Ara; possible link to anti-Islam film

Two teens suspected of throwing rocks at army vehicle near Umm al-Fahm; police say attack apparent act of protest against film that triggered anti-US riots in Muslim states

Hassan Shaalan|Published: 09.14.12 , 00:40

Two teenagers were detained Thursday night on suspicion that they hurled stones at army vehicles travelling along Route 65, near the Arab-Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm. There were no reports of injury in the incident.

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A police official said investigators are looking into the possibility that the attack was linked to an anti-Islam film that triggered violent anti-US protests in Muslim countries.

The teenagers allegedly threw stones at a vehicle carrying IDF soldiers at around 8 pm. Police officers who were dispatched to the scene took the suspects into custody.

"The attack was apparently an act of protest against the film about the Prophet Muhammad," a police official told Ynet.

Umm al-Fahm mayor Sheikh Khaled Hamdan, who called for restraint, told Ynet "we condemn the movie, which disparaged the prophet. I urge all the residents of Umm al-Fahm not to react illegally. We are against stone-throwing. The film can be condemned in a civilized manner, and not by rioting."

A Wadi Ara resident said he does not believe Friday prayers at mosques will pass without incident. "Most of the people want to express their opinion against the film, which insults our prophet. Those who are responsible for this despicable film should be punished because they are trying to hurt Muslims and Islam, but we won’t let them.

"Unfortunately, the Israeli government is remaining silent because the film is beneficial to it. The fact that the government is not responding shows us that we are not appreciated and that they want to humiliate us," he said.