2 cops hurt after being attacked by mob with rocks, clubs in Bedouin town
Police set upon by dozens of Rahat residents after stopping a driver for traffic offenses; video appears to show officer slapping detained man
Dozens of residents of the southern Bedouin town of Rahat attacked police officers on Friday after they stopped a driver for traffic offenses. Two officers were injured and required hospital treatment.
The incident began after officers stopped a vehicle, the driver of which was not wearing a seat belt and had an expired license, Hebrew media reported. The driver then fled the scene, sparking a chase after the car.
When policemen eventually managed to stop the car, three passengers emerged armed with a club and rocks, and called on other residents to attack the officers.
Dozens of residents then assaulted the cops. Two men were arrested.
Video of the brawl appeared to show an officer in civilian clothing slapping a suspect in the face as the latter was led away by police. It was unclear what prompted the incident and whether it happened before or after residents clashed with the police officers.
Police did not immediately comment on the video.
“We view with great severity the attack on police officers as they came to carry out their work for public safety and enforcing the law,” police said.