News Brief10:17 AM

(IsraelNN.com) The police department, particularly in the north of the country, is on high alert to prevent stonings, rioting and other disturbances on what has become known as Yom al-Ard, or "Land Day," among Israeli Arabs. This year, Land Day falls on Sunday.

Land Day marks the anniversary of demonstrations and rioting by Israeli Arabs throughout the country in March of 1976, during which six people were killed by security forces.

Police are particularly concerned that this year's Land Day events will turn violent in light of a series of recent attacks on passing vehicles by Arabs in the north and in mixed Jewish-Arab cities. Permits have been issued for peaceful Land Day marches in Kalansua, Arabeh, Tel Sheva and Yafo (Jaffa), but police suspect that militant youths will attempt to incite the crowds to violence.