An Arab Knesset Member of the Hadash party accused the IDF of attacking him in a violent protest in Hevron on Saturday. The IDF and police said videos of the demonstration and ensuing riot clearly show he was not assaulted.
More than 150 foreign leftists and Arabs were protesting the closure of a road in the city and were dispersed with the use of tear gas and shock grenades. MK Mohammed Barakeh complained that he was struck.
The crowd gathered on the annual Arab Land Day and managed to approach the Jewish neighborhood of Hevron and began rioting near a residential building. One of those arrested was a German citizen.
MK Barakeh refused soldiers’ orders to leave the area, a closed military zone, and argued that Israel has no right to the city and cannot give orders there.
The legislator has been involved in other violent protests in the past, and faces possible indictment for allegedly assaulting an official at a demonstration at the separation barrier.