Arabs attack Jewish shepherds with stones and slingshots

Israeli security forces arrived at the scene to disperse the riot and came into contact with explosives planted on the scene.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A group of Arabs attacked Jewish shepherds in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria on Friday.

The rioters attacked the shepherds with stones and slingshots and burned agricultural equipment.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the attack was a premeditated plan to remove an outpost.

Israeli security forces arrived at the scene to disperse the riot and came into contact with explosives planted on the scene. No injuries to soldiers were reported.

During the clash, Jewish settlers arrived to help the shepherds, and the Arabs continued to throw stones.

The riot lasted until shortly before sundown, marking the beginning of Shabbat.

Palestinian sources claimed later on Friday night that two Arabs died during the riot, and Hamas issued a statement declaring them “martyrs.”

Jewish settlement leaders released a statement saying, “One of the deceased, according to Palestinian allegations, was killed by live fire. We urge the IDF to investigate the event and lend support to the soldiers who acted against the violent rioters,” they said.

The settlement leaders were in contact with the IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet Director, as well as the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. All sources confirm that they agree on the sequence of events during the riot.

The family of a Palestinian with US citizenship who was reportedly killed in the attack called on the US State Department to launch an investigation into the incident.