Hundreds demonstrate against Israel's resettlement plan for nomadic Bedouin Arabs

JERUSALEM – Hundreds of protesters have staged demonstrations in Israel against a plan to resettle nomadic Bedouin Arabs in the southern Negev desert.

Arab rights groups called the protests. They are fighting a bill that would move thousands of Bedouins into government-recognized villages. Bedouins charge that the plan would confiscate their land and destroy their way of life. Israel says the moves are necessary to provide basic services that many Bedouins lack.

The largest demonstration Monday was in the southern city of Beersheba. Police say some 700 people protested, scuffling with police, and 14 were arrested after a group of protesters blocked a road.

Also, police say eight demonstrators were arrested at a demonstration in northern Israel after protesters threw rocks at police.

Three officers were injured.