Police: Leftists in Hebron more dangerous than right-wing counterparts
Peace Now calls for suspension of police commander who said extreme left-wing activists provoke settlers in hope of producing violent response. 'They have become an even greater threat than the anarchists,' said Commander Peled
"The activity of some leftist organizations in Hebron is more dangerous that which is being conducted by their right-wing counterparts," a senior Shai District Police official told Ynet Monday.
"Organizations such as Bnei Avraham (which is committed to 'disturbing the occupation, disrupting the segregation and apartheid regime') and Breaking the Silence are wolves in sheep's' clothing", the official said in light of the growing tensions between left and right-wing activists in the West Bank city.
The head of the Israel Police's Hebron district, Commander Avshalom Peled told Ynet that "from my experience in the Hebron and Gush Etzion area, the activity on the part of the militant left can be severe and dangerous."
Hebron police have recorded a drop in disturbances involving Jewish settlers over the past year and noted an improvement in the dialogue between the settler community and police.
"In the past we did not have any problems with the leftist organizations, but all this changed recently," another police official said. "Their activity has become more extreme in nature, and it may result in (an eruption of violence)."
Police claim that on April 25 members of Bnei Avraham and Breaking the Silence took advantage of the fact that they were permitted to tour Hebron to hold an illegal rally and provoke settlers.
"The leftists antagonize the settlers in the hope that the settlers will attack them," a police official said.
"The left-wing organizations have become an even greater threat than the anarchists."
Peace Now: Suspend police chief
The 'Peace Now' movement issued a call for the immediate suspension of Commander Peled. Movement chairman Yariv Oppenheimer sent a formal request to Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter following the Ynet report.
"It would be preferable if the Hebron police focused on laying its hands on Rightist rioters rather than try and bury the shameful situation it is responsible for," the movement said.
MK Zahava Gal-On (Meretz) also responded to the report. "It would seem as though the police are working for the Kahanist and fascist groups in Hebron. I call on the internal security minister to conduct an investigation into the conduct of police forces in Hebron," said Gal-On.
