Israel: 'Lynch mobs' attack Palestinians after teens’ funeral

Issue 

Since the bodies of three missing Israeli youths were discovered in the occupied West Bank on Monday, Israeli politicians have whipped the public up with demands for “revenge.”

The videos above and below show disturbing footage of significant crowds of young Israelis marching through the streets of Jerusalem on the evening of July 1 chanting “Death to the Arabs” -- “mavet la’aravim” in Hebrew.

In some of the footage those chanting appear to be young children.

'Lynch mobs

Ynet reported that “Police forces managed to rescue eight Arabs from the mob and arrested 47 on charges of public disorder, attempted assault of Arab minors, assaulting police officers, and property damage.”

Ynet posted its own footage of incidents “where the protesting mob posed a threat to an individual Arab and police officers struggled to separate and protect an innocent life from the enraged rightwing extremists”.

Video posted by Ynet showed “one Arab man being rescued from the mob and a group of Arab workers being attacked in a parking lot”.

Police prevented the mobs from entering the Old City of eastern occupied Jerusalem “in an attempt to prevent further lynch attempts,” Ynet said.

Incitement

Earlier that day, former lawmaker Michael Ben-Ari had called for a rally at which the “Death to the Arabs” chant was also heard.

The videos appear to show spontaneous crowds picking up the “Death to the Arabs” cry after the funeral.

At the Israeli youths’ funeral on Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contrasted Israelis from those who killed the youths.

“They sanctify death, we sanctify life,” Netanyahu said. “They sanctify cruelty, and we mercy and compassion.”




As Electronic Intifada also reported, Israeli soldiers have been posting calls for vengeance online and celebrating the death of a Palestinian youth, Yousef Abu Zagha, shot dead by Israeli occupation forces in Jenin refugee camp on the morning of July 1.



Amnesty warns against 'revenge'

On July 2, Amnesty International condemned Israel’s use of collective punishment against Palestinians.

“Justice will not be served by Israel seeking revenge by imposing collective punishment, or committing other violations of Palestinians’ rights,” the group stated.

Occupation forces ransacked and partially destroyed the Hebron homes of the families of two Hamas members Israel says were responsible for killing the boys.

But as Amnesty notes, “The Israeli authorities have not presented any evidence to back their assertion that Hamas or the two named suspects were responsible for the teens’ abductions and murders.”

[Reprinted from Electronic Intifada.]

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.