Police bolster security in Akko

Three years after Yom Kippur riots between Arabs and Jews, residents of northern coastal city fear escalation in wake of Tuba Zangaria mosque arson

Meir Buchnik|Published: 10.07.11 , 11:18

Police has bolstered security in the northern city of Akko, three years after violent riots erupted between Arab and Jewish residents, during which some 100 vehicles and 30 shops were vandalized.

The 2008 clashes were sparked by a false rumor about the death of an Arab truck driver, who accidently entered a Jewish neighborhood during Yom Kippur and was stoned to death by the residents.

Related stories:

This year, the police remain on high alert in the wake of Monday's mosque arson in Arab village of Tuba Zangaria, which was attributed to the settlers' "price tag" policy.

Even the incarceration of an 18-year-old Jewish youth in connection with the incident was not enough to calm spirits, prompting police forces to up deployment inside Akko and other cities, in an effort to thwart any escalation attempt.

As part of the heightened preparedness, Border Guard officers will be positioned in key locations throughout the country and volunteers will guard synagogues during prayer services.

"Our goal is to prevent any altercation, whether by blocking streets or by prohibiting the entry into the city to non-residence," Akko police Commander, Chief Superintendent Victor Buskila said, adding that as of now, the police has no concrete intelligence pointing to planned riots during the weekend.