Druze protesters clash with police over turbine construction, 8 arrested
Clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the police, with protesters throwing rocks at officers, and police retaliating with riot dispersal gear; four officers and 10 protesters were injured.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFWind turbines are seen in Golan Heights(photo credit: REUTERS)
Around 300 Druze residents in the Golan Heights, near the Israeli-Syrian border, protested on Wednesday against the construction of wind turbines on agricultural land by the Energix Group.According to Israel Police, Energix legally bought the right to use the land from the owners, and the first two days of construction went off without incident.However, following reports of a planned protest, police increased the amount of officers guarding the site, fearing violence.During the demonstrations, clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the police, with protesters throwing rocks towardofficers, and police retaliating with riot dispersal equipment. In total, four policemen and 10 protesters were injured, according to Israel Police.Eight protesters were arrested during the clashes. The construction continued uninterrupted.
