Israeli policeman killed in car-ramming attack in Bedouin village

An Israeli policeman was killed and a number of others were injured from a car-ramming attack early Wednesday morning during preparations for the demolition of illegally-built houses in the Bedouin village of Umm-el-Hiran in the Negev. The fatality was identified as 34-year-old First Sgt. Erez Levy. The driver of the vehicle, a senior member of Israel's Islamic Movement, was shot dead. Large numbers of policemen are providing security for the demolition operation that was met by violent demonstrations. Lawmaker Ayman Oudeh of the United Arab List party, who was inciting the demonstrators, sustained a minor injury to his face and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said during a radio interview that Oudeh was among those responsible for the violent demonstrations. IDF troops using heavy equipment started carrying out the demolition after the scene of the attack was cleared. Umm-al-Hiran, established in 1956, is one of the 46 Bedouin villages in Israel that have not been officially recognized.