Last update - 00:00 15/11/2007
IDF to continue training in Arab villages despite local complaints
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent
The Israel Defense Forces will continue to train in Arab communities, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said on Wednesday, in response to Balad Chair Jamal Zahalka's query on the matter.
Residents of Eilabun and Majd al-Krum have complained that in the past few weeks IDF soldiers have taken over their villages, usually conducting training exercises very late at night.
Zahalka's office said that the residents feel that the IDF's presence is a nuisance and a provocation.
In his response, Vilnai said that the training exercises in the Arab villages were part of a larger maneuver drill that included Jewish communities as well and that the IDF chose the areas according to their topography.