Guatemalans oppose Israeli role in supplying power electricity

Demonstrators in Guatemala used anti-Israeli sentiments to protest the Central American country's major power company, which is owned by an Israeli group.

Energuate, a private power supplier owned by Israeli company IC Power, was targeted by protests last week that included congressmen, businessmen and members of the military, the Estado de Israel news portal reported.

"Jews have killed me on the cross. Now Jews from Energuate are killing my people in Guatemala with the light," read the Spanish-language banners and posters at the protests. "Out with Jewish Energuate from Guatemala. Let's unite for the nationalization of power electricity."

IC Power completed the acquisition of Energuate in January for $265 million. Energuate's two electricity distribution companies provide services for approximately 1.6 million households in Guatemala, representing approximately 60 percent of the country.