Border Police have begun employing a new means of crowd control to disperse violent demonstrations against the security fence in Ni'lin.
Palestinians block the road with rocks during clashes with Israeli forces during a previous protest at Ni'lin.
Photo: AP [file]
The weapon, nicknamed "The Skunk," is a foul-smelling liquid which is sprayed on the protesters, compelling them to leave the scene to escape the smell.
Security officials told Channel 10 that "The Skunk was developed as part of police's efforts to develop non-lethal means and…avoid irreversible physical damage." They added that it was less harmful than tear gas or rubber bullets.
Border Police forces used the new weapon during a demonstration on Friday. They said it proved effective and led the protesters to leave the area to shower and change their clothes.
Some demonstrators described the smell as similar to that of sewage, adding that it was hard to get rid of, even after a shower.
