Large protests held against plans to resettle nomadic Bedouin Arabs in Israeli desert
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police in Israel say protests over a plan to resettle nomadic Bedouin Arabs in the southern Negev desert caused injuries and led to some arrests.
Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says hundreds protested in a Negev village Saturday and threw rocks at police. He says four officers were hurt and nine protesters were arrested. Other protests were held in Jerusalem and Haifa.
Protests are over a bill that would move thousands of Bedouins into government-recognized villages. Protesters charge the plan would confiscate Bedouin land. Israel says the moves are necessary to provide basic services that many Bedouins lack.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officials say the plan calls for the vast majority of Bedouin to live where they are, while allowing them to preserve their traditions in a modern state.