Settlers' outpost closing sparks turmoil

JERUSALEM, July 24 (UPI) -- A chain reaction of disturbances and riots in Israel was set off by the evacuation of a bus being used by settlers as an illegal outpost, police said Thursday.

The ruckus was intensified by an Israeli driver who, responding to stone-throwers, grabbed a soldier's gun and started firing into the air, the Jerusalem Post reported. A companion, who had his own gun, also started firing skyward. Both men were held for questioning.

Security forces evacuated the bus without difficulty, but Judea and Samaria police say they believe the group moved about causing a series of disturbances, including the burning of tires at one point, the burning of 10 olive trees at another and several instances of rock-throwing, including the one that brought out the guns, the report said.