Early in October 2000, violent confrontations between Arab demonstrators and police forces
erupted in the Galilee (northern Israel) and the Triangle (central) area. In the course of these
harsh clashes, twelve Arab citizens, one Gaza resident and one Jewish citizen were killed.

Threatened by Knesset Member Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount on the eve of the
Jewish New Year, September 28, 2000, the Arabs of Israel rose up in solidarity with their
brethren in the territories. Many responded to the Islamic Movement’s call to protect the Al-
Aqsa Mosque, claiming that Israel was trying to exert its authority over the third holiest site in
Islam.

The swift response of the Arabs in Israel reflected their growing sense of identification with
the Palestinian cause. Nevertheless, the major reason for the outburst of violence was largely
attributable to domestic grievances.

Following persistent criticism on the part of the Arab leadership over the harsh conduct of the police during the riots, Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, headed by Supreme Court Justice Theodor Or, to investigate the October 2000 events, including the behavior of the security forces and the instigators and organizers of the clashes. The decision was welcomed by the Arab leadership

Click on Fact Sheet for more information.