Stones fly across West Bank as tensions flare

Tensions between Israeli and Palestinians flared on Tuesday in a number of violent incidents across the West Bank.

200 Israelis from the settlement of Kiryat Arba, outside Hebron, marched toward Mitzpeh Avichai with the intent to rebuild the recently demolished outpost, Walla! news reported.

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After protesters scaled the fence to the closed military zone, Israel Police and Border Police attempted to halt the protesters. The settlers brawled with the police, who retaliated with pepper spray. Police arrested two Israelis, one for assaulting a police officer and the second for incitement. Seven minors were injured, according to Maariv’s news website.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported a spate of stone-throwing incidents by Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank. Police arrested three Palestinians on suspicion of throwing stones at Temple Mount visitors, injuring a police officer.

Border Police closed Rachel’s Tomb and evacuated Jewish visitors after stones were thrown. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Palestinians near Beit Umar pelted Israeli vehicles on Route 60, the main road running south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and Hebron. Yedioth Ahronoth reported damaged vehicles, but no injuries.

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Israeli settlers retaliated by hurling stones at Palestinian vehicles near Mikhmash. IDF troops who investigated the incident also discovered ten olive trees had been cut down.

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