Police chief: We must show restraint in West Bank

Dudi Cohen says police are trying to avoid an escalation in violence following clashes with settlers at Gilad Farm; Palestinian cars in Hebron damaged in 'price tag' attack.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Torched car in West Bank 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Torched car in West Bank 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Israel Police Insp.-Gen. Dudi Cohen on Tuesday held discussions with senior police officials to evaluate the situation in the West Bank after settlers claimed that police allegedly used rubber bullets during Monday mornings demolition of three unauthorized structures at the Gilad Farm outpost in Samaria.
"At this time we must show responsibility, restraint and avoid an escalation in violence at any cost. The Israeli police will be prepared for any scenario," Cohen said.
RELATED:Settlers arrested, injured in violent clash in Gilad FarmNetanyahu slams settlers over Gilad Farm clashesThe police chief  issued a series of instructions and passed them down to commanders and heads of regional departments. Cohen also ordered that police act so that "minimal disruption is caused to routine life and according to the procedures in place."
He made the comments after Palestinians in the Hebron area woke up Tuesday morning to find the windshields of dozens of their cars smashed, as a result of an alleged attack by right-wing activists. This comes a day after settlers blocked roads overnight Monday in Jerusalem, allegedly setting fire to tires and throwing a petrol bomb at the Palestinian village of Hawara.
Right-wing activists said that the act of smashing windows was a "price tag" revenge attack for violence used by police at the evacuation of Gilad Farm.
On Monday setters claimed that Border Police forces shot rubber bullets and tear gas at them during the demolition of three structures at the unauthorized outpost of Gilad Farm in Samaria.
According to police, eight settlers were arrested during the clashes that broke out when they entered the outpost in a pre-dawn raid. Settlers claimed that 12 people were bruised by rubber bullets.