Police injured, vehicles set on fire in clashes in Deir al-Assad

Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev called for a formal investigation into the incident.

 (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
Clashes broke out in the northern Arab village of Deir al-Assad on Saturday between police and residents, with 11 arrested so far. 
Several vehicles were set on fire by residents, including a police car. A 26-year-old police officer was also injured during the riots, and was later evacuated to Nahariya Medical Center for treatment after being hit in the head with a stone. Several injured residents were also treated for injuries.
In response, Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev said that “The events in Deir al-Assad are extremely difficult. I am in constant contact with the police commissioner and other parties and receive regular updates on what happened during and after the incident.
“I asked the commissioner to conduct a quick investigation and present his conclusions to me within 24 hours. DIP, of course, will conduct an independent investigation,” the minister added.
 In a separate incident, police and residents clashed in the village of Bi’ina after receiving reports of a shooting during a celebration. During the clashes, shots were fired and a policeman and civilian were injured, in addition to two police cars being set ablaze.
Meanwhile, a large brawl occurred in the Arab town of Sakhnin, after three men were injured after being run over by a car. One resident was seriously injured in the hit and run.
The suspect involved in the hit and run later turned himself in to police and was taken into custody.
This comes following prior violence in mixed and Arab-Israeli cities during Operation Guardian of the Walls last month, which saw thousands arrested throughout late May and early June.