Rightists hurl stones at Arab homes in Jerusalem
Hundreds of extreme right-wing activists break through police barriers, enter east Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber in bid to destroy house of terrorist who killed eight yeshiva students in Jerusalem. Two policemen lightly hurt in clashes; 22 people arrested
More than 100 extreme right-wing activists arrived Sunday afternoon at the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber and began hurling stones at houses. Large police forces were dispatched to the area and 22 of the rioters were arrested. Two policemen were lightly injured in the clashes.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered earlier at Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv promenade in order to march to the Arab neighborhood and destroy the house of the terrorist who killed eight students at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva about 10 days ago.
Hundreds of police officers attempted to block the protestors, but many managed to break through the barriers and reach the neighborhood.
The rightists called for revenge, and one of them told Ynet, "We are fed up with keeping silent. Jewish blood will not be abandoned. It's time to stop the defamation of God and this disgrace. We are going to destroy the terrorist's house."
Riots at Jabel Mukaber (Photo: Guy Assayag)
Right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir said, "The Israeli government and the Israel Police are responsible for what is happening in Jabel Mukaber."
"This is the beginning of our war on the fifth column. We shall not let them live amongst us," said one of the demonstrators, Nadia Matar of the Women in Green organization.
A statement released Thursday by Women in Green, Komemuyut, Halev Hayehudi ("The Jewish Heart") and bereaved families' organizations said that “in light of the complete incompetence of the political authorities and their inability to at least destroy the murderer's home and expel his relatives and supporters, we must take matters into our own hands as emissaries of the Jewish people."
Police handed the terrorist's body to his family members last Thursday. He was buried at the presence of a small number of people. No unusual incidents were recorded during the funeral.
Ten days after the deadly terror attack in the capital, the political and legal arenas continue to engage in the question whether the terrorist's house should be destroyed. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that he supported the demolition of the house, and Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter issued an order for its demolition.
However, Colonel (res.) Ilan Katz, the former deputy chief military prosecutor, told Ynet that "there would be a legal difficulty in destroying the house, due to a decision made by a military committee in 2005 that the effectiveness of the deterrence in such cases has worn out."
