Five police officers were wounded on Wednesday night in a riot in the Israeli Arab city of Kfar Kassem. One officer suffered head injuries and was in moderate condition, while four were lightly wounded.
The riot began when police arrived to guard the destruction of an illegally built structure in the city. They were met with anger from hundreds of local residents, who began throwing firebombs and rocks at the officers.
Locals expressed pride following the riot. “They came like thieves in the night, but we were ready for them,” one told reporters.
The owners of the illegal structure had been informed several days in advance that it would be destroyed. The demolition order was issued by the Ministry of the Interior.
Despite the attacks, police succeeded in guarding the demolition crew, and the structure was destroyed. Several men were arrested for allegedly attacking police.
Police said Thursday that they would investigate the incident. More arrests are likely, officers said.