MK Effie Eitam (NU/NRP) said Thursday that a violent riot in the Galilee earlier in the day was the beginning of a more serious struggle.  “Today the Arab leadership in Israel crossed a red line, and a new stage began in Israeli Arabs’ rebellion against the state,” he said.

Eitam called on police and judges to harshly punish anyone found of violating the law during the riots, including those who attacked police officers, those guilty of incitement and disturbing the peace, and rioters who chanted slogans in support of Hizbullah and called to attack Jews.

Eitam slammed Arab Members of Knesset who were present at the riot, which began following a rally mourning the establishment of the state of Israel.  “The Arab MKs have again proven themselves to be a cause of incitement that leads the Arab community to violent clashes with the Jewish community and the state of Israel,” he said.