'These acts are shameful'

Aharonovitch calls for probe of racial slurs against Druse soldiers.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Aharonovitch 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
Aharonovitch 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
Allegations of ongoing racial abuse of Druse IDF soldiers and police officers at the hands of settlers who are angry over the West Bank construction freeze must be investigated immediately, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said on Sunday.
Citing IDF sources, Hebrew media reports said Druse security personnel serving in the Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria and the Border Police had been repeatedly subjected to derogatory and racist comments by a number of settlers in the West Bank recently.
In addition, anonymously authored leaflets have been distributed in the area, describing Druse members of the security forces as “Arab police” tasked with guarding Palestinians.
Responding to the reports, Aharonovitch has called on Police Insp.-Gen. David Cohen and state prosecutors to launch an immediate investigation.
“If the suspicions turn out to be true, these are acts that are entirely shameful. The security forces, who endanger their lives in various areas around the country, must receive support, rather than this disgraceful treatment. There must be no discrimination, and if the suspicions turn out to be true, those responsible must be brought to justice quickly,” Aharonovitch said.
“These comments against Druse are unacceptable and are aimed at denigrating a group which is seen as a model in its contribution to the state,” he went on. “I am committed to continuing the support of officers and soldiers who carry out holy work.”