PM hires deputy head of prison as czar to counter violence in Arab region

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday named the former head of the Israeli Prison Service as czar to counter violence in the Arab region.

Violence has ravaged Arab communities in the past month, with local residents and some lawmakers complaining that the government has not done enough to stop it. A. shootout in the Arab town of Tamra Monday night ended with a medical student being accidentally killed, after being trapped in the crossfire.
PM hires deputy head of prison as czar to counter violence in Arab region

Aharon Franco and Benjamin Netanyahu

(Photo: Emil Selman)

The appointment of Aharon Franco, however, caused outrage among some Arab officials over comments he made in 2009 while he was Chief of Police of the Jerusalem District Police, when he called the Arab community “Without shame”.

“I got to work with him and I was impressed by his seriousness, his professionalism and his fairness. He has a very rich professional experience and a relationship with Arab leaders,” Netanyahu said at a news conference.

The prime minister has said he will set up a special ministerial committee, headed by him to fight violence in the region.

“I am personally committed to the realization of these plans, which will provide an opportunity for revolution,” Netanyahu said. “The immediate plan involves gathering arms, building police stations and setting up welfare centers. “He also described crime in the Arab region as” terrorism “, saying it should be fought accordingly.

MK Ahmad Tibi, from the predominantly Arab Joint List, said Franco should embark on a course “in the values ​​of democracy and equality.”

High-level Arab Audit Committee chief Muhammad Zidan said it was “incredible that a police chief would say such a thing,” referring to 2009 comments.

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