Extreme Violence against Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj

In the early morning hours of November 12, hundreds of Israeli police stormed the recognized Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj. The police officers were accompanied by representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Interior, who attempted to distribute home demolition orders to village residents.

In Bir Hadaj, the Israeli police used tactics usually saved for the occupied Palestinian territories, including the use of undercover forces disguised as Arabs, known as Mistaravim in Hebrew, whose goal it is to create provocations and incur a violent response from the Israeli security forces.

Indeed, soon after their arrival in Bir Hadaj, the Israeli police fired tear gas, and rubber and sponge bullets at residents, injuring many people, including women, children and the elderly. 19 residents –including 7 minors– were arrested in the clashes that ensued, and 29 children were subsequently taken to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva to be treated for tear gas inhalation.

There was to be a demonstration by Israelis, Bedouins and other supporters, but it was announced on 14 November that the Israeli police canceled the demonstration permit in the Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj due the Israeli/Hamas-Gaza conflict that is heating up over the assassination of the lead Hamas military leader which in turn was said to have occurred due to rockets being fired into southern Israel.

Report as received from: NegevBedouin@googlegroups.com [NegevBedouin@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Yeela Raanan [yallylivnat@gmail.com]