Anti-Arab violence hits famously peaceful Israeli village

An Arab Israeli village near Jerusalem known for its warm relations with Jews has been shaken by an arson attack for which police suspect anti-Arab extremists, reports BEN LYNFIELD.

Five cars were torched, and storage units were set ablaze in Abu Ghosh and nearby Beit Nakuba early on Friday morning.

Abu Ghosh, home to about 7000 Arabs, has a history of being loyal to Zionism and enjoying friendly ties with Jews, many of whom come from across Israel to eat at its hummus restaurants on Saturdays.

The fires caused more than 10 million shekels ($A4.3m) in damages, Mayor Salim Jaber said. “We didn’t expect this because we have good relations with everyone,” he told The Jewish Independent.

Resident Ratib Jaber, 68, voiced the fear many were feeling. “Of course, it’s a shock. We live in peace and troublemakers come and disturb us. I am worried there will be more of these.”

Residents of Abu Ghosh, situated on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, told The Jewish Independent that they believe the assailants, who struck at about 2am on Friday, were inspired by the racism of incoming Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit party.

 “Ben-Gvir and his party give support directly and indirectly to this. Their extremism encourages this. I worry that they will increase violence in the Middle East as a whole.” Jaber said.

Ben-Gvir spokesman Yishai Fleisher declined a request by The Jewish Independent for comment on the arson attack. But there is a widespread sense that the increasing number of attacks on Arabs, Palestinians and their supporters is related to the electoral success of the ultranationalists.