11 arrested in Lod after far-right march sparks clashes with Arab residents

Eleven people were arrested in Lod, Israel, after a far-right march through an Arab neighborhood led to clashes and anti-Arab chants. Mayor Yair Revivo blamed outside extremists. A 20-year-old man was moderately injured; police denied a stabbing.

Late last night, extreme fascist gangs ran wild in the Arab neighborhoods of Lod in a provocative march that included dangerous racist chants and attempted attacks, aiming to ignite the city and pressure its Arab residents, who face a campaign of fascist persecution and incitement led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Arab residents of the city told media that groups of extremist Jews, most from outside the city, roamed the Arab neighborhoods, threw stones, cursed residents, and shouted racist slurs. Reports indicated that the most prominent figure was Mordechai David, who participated in Ben Gvir's election propaganda campaign. Police announced the arrest of 11 people, including Arab citizens who were forced to defend themselves. Right-wing mayor Yair Revivo admitted that a group of extremists had arrived from outside the city to incite unrest, and called on rabbis, teachers, public leaders, parents, and Arab leaders to act, stressing that Lod is not a home for extremists from outside.