Ha'aretz: Galilee Arabs plan to attack Israeli police and Jews to avenge deaths, police report warns

By Sharon Gal Ha'aretz Correspondent Ha'aretz 22 October 2000

Arab-Israelis in the Gush Misgav area of the Galilee are planning to attack Israeli police and Jews in retaliation for the deaths of Arab-Israelis killed during clashes with police at the beginning of the current violence. According to a secret report prepared by the Misgav police, and recently presented to the Acre Magistrate's Court, young residents of the Galilee villages and members of the "Bnei Kfar" ("the Village's Sons Movement") movement in Gush Misgav villages intend to carry out the attacks. Ha'aretz has obtained a copy of the report, which was prepared by the Misgav police's intelligence department and presented to the court as part of a request to extend the remand of a Kfar Araba resident. The man stands accused of attacking police officers, rioting and participating in an illegal gathering.

"At the moment, the situation in the villages is delicate, very sensitive and strained with reports from sources coming in constantly concerning a concrete intention by the youths and members of 'Bnei Kfar' to damage mobile police units and officers in revenge for the deaths of the youths killed," states the report.

The report focuses primarily on the village of Araba where two people were killed during clashes with police. The document talks of a gang of about 170 youths who are in control of the village "and on their order, things will happen." A further 700-750 former residents of the occupied territories, who now reside in the village, have also joined in their struggle.

Police are reportedly concerned about entering the villages. For example, following the murder of a boy in Kfar Tamara, allegedly by his 14-year-old brother, police did not enter the village and the suspect was only apprehended thanks to help by the family and village officials.