Lavi Workers Storm Ministry in Israel
Angry Israeli aircraft workers Thursday rushed the gates of the Foreign Ministry to protest cancellation of the Lavi jet fighter project but were driven off by police firing tear gas.
Eight people, including a ministry employee, were treated at a hospital when overcome by tear-gas fumes, police said. Israel radio said one demonstrator was arrested.
The confrontation outside the ministry compound was the most serious disturbance during a fifth day of protests by Israel Aircraft Industries workers enraged by the government’s decision Sunday to kill the over-budget project.
The Lavi was opposed by most Israeli military officials and the United States, which has picked up about 90% of the development costs.
State-owned Israel Aircraft is expected to lay off at least 2,000 workers as a result of the move.
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