Tibi: Israel trains dogs to attack anyone saying 'Allahu Akbar'

Palestinian-Israeli lawmaker Ahmad Tibi on Monday alleged that the Israeli military trains dogs to attack anyone saying Allahu Akbar, Arabic for “God is great.”

According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, Tibi told Knesset members on Monday that at a canine unit ceremony held the day before, parents of the soldiers witnessed demonstrations proving these allegations.

"IDF dogs are trained to pounce and attack any Arab who shouts Allah Hu Akbar, as a Pavlovian reaction," said Tibi. "So here I say: Allahu Akbar. Are there any dogs here to attack me?"

The Israeli military denied the charges, telling Haaretz in a statement, "One of the canine unit's many capabilities is to train the dogs at locating the enemy when dressed both in uniform and as civilian. This is an ability that has proven itself in many cases."

Bethlehem – Ma’an/Agencies