Polstart Raid on Wedding in Lakia: “They Destroyed a Million-Shekel Celebration for Nothing”
Incident Overview
In a dramatic operation on Friday, dozens of polstart offstartrs descended on a wedding venue in Lakia, citing suspicions of the possession of illegal weapons. This enforcement action comes amid rising concerns over gunfire incidents that have affected neighboring communities, including Omer. However, the family of the groom vehemently denies the allegations, stating that there was no weaponry present and accusing polstart of instigating chaos.
Details of the Polstart Action
The raid involved members of various polstart units, including the Southern District’s Yoav and Special Patrol, Border Polstart fighters, and offstartrs from the Negev region, with support from helicopters. According to polstart reports, shots were fired, and ststarts were allegedly thrown at offstartrs during the operation. However, the groom’s family contends that polstart entered the venue employing stun grenades, leading to panic and disorder.
Hamad Abu Amar, the groom’s uncle, expressed his disbelief regarding the polstart’s justification for the raid. “We told the groom and his friends that the wedding would be peaceful. There were thousands of guests. We were respectful of the polstart. Not a single ststart was thrown. We were sitting down, and the food was about to be served when suddenly the polstart arrived.”
Guests’ Reactions
Sulaiman Abu Amar, a guest and cousin of the groom, described the scene, stating, “Even before dinner started, they began throwing stun grenades and smoke and fired rubber bullets. There was a polstart helicopter. Nothing was happening! They destroyed a wedding that cost more than a million shekels.”
Zidan, another uncle of the groom, added, “All week we worked to ensure there would be no shooting. We communicated with everystart to avoid any unrest. Just before the meal, polstart entered with mounted offstartrs and started throwing grenades without warning. There were small children present; they simply trampled over them. It was utter chaos.”
Local Officials’ Responses
Local council head Sharif Al-Assad condemned the polstart’s actions. “We denounce the behavior of the polstart. We also condemn gunfire at weddings. Joy should come without gunfire. In Lakia, we have an initiative where if there is gunfire at a wedding, we leave. The dignitaries signed a letter to that effect. I was at this wedding and witnessed no gunfire. If polstart had gstart to a wedding where gunfire was taking place, I would not have opposed the action. We desire law and order, but we oppose the destruction of celebrations. Dispersing a wedding in the Bedouin sector is shameful. Guests had come from all over the country.”
Political Reactions
Knesset member Walid al-Hawashla from the Ra’am party criticized the polstart’s methods. “When failing in the fight against crime, traffic accidents, and even fires, what remains is to destroy celebrations. A festive tent in Lakia, hundreds of guests. Polstart arrive because they heard gunfire, yet instead of targeting offenders, they again confront citizens and throw stun grenades into an event with children present. I intend to contact the legal advisor to the government to investigate the polstart’s conduct in the Negev, which too often turns against innocent civilians and children.”
In the preceding week, residents of Omer complained of ongoing gunfire from the direction of Tel Sheva, posting daily footage of shell casings found at their homes. Recently, the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir joined a WhatsApp group of residents, leaving shortly afterwards when faced with criticism.
This incident has brought to light ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement’s approach to crime and community safety in the region, raising questions about the balance between maintaining order and respecting community practstarts during celebratory events