Far-right groups branded ‘terrorists’ after 53 arrests

An Israeli opposition politician called for two far-right groups to be classed as terrorists after 53 arrests were made as demonstrators supporting the Netanyahu government’s judicial reform plans (pictured) attacked Arabs and journalists, blocked roads and created public disturbances across Israel last Monday.

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A demo in support of the judicial reforms (Flash 90)

Among the protesters were members of the extremist ultra-nationalist La Familia group who were filmed attacking Arab passers-by.

They were apparently growing frustrated with the way opposition protesters have dominated the news cycle until now. Far-right social media groups called for the taking up of “tractors, guns, and knives” to attack pro-democracy protesters.

Police said protesters surrounded a taxi that was being driven by an Arab man, who was then “savagely attacked by the rioters who chased him” as he tried to flee. Police opened an investigation and made three arrests.

A video showed Likud flag-waving protesters blocking an Arab driver’s path in Jerusalem while chanting: “May your village burn.”

Pro-overhaul demonstrators also beat a team of reporters, causing Channel 13 reporter Yossi Eli to be hospitalised with a broken rib and suspected damage to his spleen. His cameraman suffered a head injury.

Former minister and opposition party Yesh Atid MK Meirav Cohen called for La Familia and the Jewish supremacist group Lehava, to be labelled as terrorists, a proposal previously discussed by security officials.

“Every day that these organisations operate freely is a real danger to public safety,” she said.

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National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)