Muslims in a Galilee village attack Israeli police as elections near

In the second such incident in two days, a mass brawl involving hundreds of rioters broke out Friday night at the northern Arab Israeli village of Kafr Manda, which is set to hold local elections on Tuesday.

Police dispersed the crowd using riot control means.

According to witnesses, dozens of firecrackers and stones were hurled, and property was set ablaze. At least ten ready for use Molotov cocktails were uncovered by police at the scene.

Friday’s riots came following a similar brawl on Thursday in which two people were lightly to moderately wounded, and 23 people were arrested.

“Israel Police will work to restore the public order and prevent disturbances and violence,” a statement by police regarding the clashes read. “This unbridled and violent behavior endangers the lives of the residents and could drag the entire community into ongoing violence. Police will act with determination against those who stoke the flames, bring to justice the rioters and, maintain a permanent presence in the village until the situation is calm again.”

The riots took place against the backdrop of the elections for the village council, following the death of Taha Abd Halim, the former head of the local council, in early April. Abd Halim, 62, had served three terms as council head.