Settlers protest against Palestinian violence
Protesters urge IDF to take firmer hand against Palestinians who hurl stones, firebombs at vehicles in West Bank. 'Soon people might start responding,' leader warns
An Israeli citizen was lightly injured by a rock thrown at him near Ma'ale Shomron on Saturday evening. Settlers were protesting in the area over repeated attacks against Israeli vehicles in the West Bank involving stones and firebombs.
Clashes soon erupted between the settlers, security forces and residents of the village of Azoun who hurled stones at them. Three protesters were arrested.
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The settlers called on the commanders of the Judea and Samaria Division and the Central Command to take a firmer hand against the stone throwers and other Palestinians involved in clashes.
Soldiers and settlers clash near Karnei Shomron (Photo: Gur Dotan)
Route 55 leading up to the settlement of Karnei Shomron has recently become a target for stone throwers. More than 15 residents were hurt by stones thrown at them in the area.
On Friday, a woman in the late stages of pregnancy was hit by a stone in the stomach. She sustained light wounds and was rushed to hospital.
Photo: Gur Dotan
"We've been suffering from stones and firebombs for a long time," said Herzl Ben Ari, Karnei Shomron Council head. "We've spoken to defense officials and the soldiers have been working tirelessly to stop this phenomenon but it's time to change our frame of reference. This must be stopped."
Asked about possible settler backlash, he said, "The residents here are very restrained. All we did is demonstrate on the side of the road but people may find themselves fed up and start to respond. Our leaders don't want to see that."
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