In 'mixed' Israeli towns, wave of arrests continues after riots

Security forces arrest a Palestinian protester in Jerusalem during a mobilization against the eviction of Palestinian families in the Silwan sector.

AFP - AHMAD GHARABLI

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

In total, two and a half weeks after the start of the intercommunal riots, nearly 2,000 people have been arrested, 348 again this week as thousands of police have been deployed across the country.

The head of the Israeli police announced, Thursday, May 27, the extension of this operation called "Law and order".

But representatives of Palestinian citizens of Israel denounce a politically motivated operation.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem, 

Guilhem Delteil

Last Tuesday, Jaffar Farah was at his office in the late morning when police arrived at his home.

Alerted by his family, he went to the police station where he answered questions from investigators.

"

The accusations were that I had instigated young people to go and attack the Jews," he

reports. 

These are very bizarre accusations.

He told me that I had set up an organization for people to carry out attacks against Jews, but they did not specify when.

"

Political motivation

 "

Jaffar Farah was released on bail a few hours later. This human rights activist is the director of Mossawa, an organization defending the rights of Arab Israelis. And when the police arrived at his home, he was holding a press conference with politicians to denounce the wave of arrests mostly targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel. “

I think Netanyahu is politically motivated. He uses, he actually abuses the police to survive politically, he

believes. 

He targeted Muslim and Christian communities in Jerusalem. Now he is targeting the Arab community. After failing in Gaza, I think he's looking for an image of victory.

"

In a statement, the police said they wanted to "

bring the rioters, the criminals to justice

".

But contacted by RFI, she did not wish to give details on this operation.

See also: New demonstration against threats of expulsion of Palestinian families in Jerusalem

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  • Israel

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