Following Beersheba attack, local Jewish, Arab leaders meet with police officials

A day after the deadly terror attack in Beersheba, Jewish and Arab community leaders in southern Israel meet with security officials in order to prepare for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Passover and the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

The meeting with Southern District police officials at the Ramat Negev Regional Council outside the town of Shizaf is attended by the head of the local authority, Eran Doron; Dimona Mayor Benny Biton; Lakiya’s Ahmad al-Assad; Kuseife’s Abd al-Aziz Nassara; and Ar’ara Banegev’s Naif Abu Arar.

Police southern region commander Peretz Amar says the meeting comes ahead of the Jewish and Muslim holidays, which are “ a sensitive period that has broad implications.”

“During the meeting, all the heads of authorities expressed their willingness to work together to act against extremist elements, and to allow the security forces to act against criminal and security elements,” Amar says according to a statement.

“It is in the interest of all of us to work together for the development and prosperity of the entire region and to maintain the peace and security of our residents,” Doron, head of the Ramat Negev Regional Council, says.

Yesterday’s attack was committed by a former terror convict from the predominantly Bedouin town of Hura.