Some 700 police in full riot gear used tear gas to disperse crowds who threw stones to try and prevent the demolition.
Residents observed a general strike yesterday in protest at the action, and large numbers of police remained in the Bedouin city of 52,000 last night to prevent fresh disturbances. Shortly after the demolition, residents began rebuilding the mosque.
Police claimed the mosque was constructed illegally with funds provided by the northern branch of Israel’s anti-Zionist Islamic movement. The destruction was carried out after a court ruled the building took place on state land without a permit.
Southern district police chief Cmdr Yochanan Danino, who supervised the operation, praised the police action. “We acted with resolve to enforce the rule of law and relayed a message that the Israel police will not ignore illegal activity, while remaining sensitive to the Muslims’ feelings.”
Yusuf Abu Jama, leader of the northern branch of the Islamic movement in Rahat, vowed that residents would rebuild the mosque every time the Israeli authorities destroy it. “Now the Islamic movement is unified, and Arabs from all over the country will come to show their solidarity,” he said.
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