THOUSANDS of Palestinians are set to defy Israeli threats as they join a general strike to defend villages in the Negev desert from demolition after a night of violent attacks by security forces.

Soldiers stormed the Palestinian villages of al-Atrash and al-Ruwais in the Negev on Tuesday firing rubber bullets and stun grenades. At least 20 people were arrested.

Journalists recording the atrocities were also targeted in the attacks during which two tents that had been erected on Bedouin land were torn down.