News
Government weights measures against continuing Jerusalem, West Bank violence
The government appears poised for disagreement with Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein over measures it wishes to introduce in order to curb the recent spate of rock-throwing and firebomb attacks on Israelis in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Last week saw serious clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which has become a significant and emotive flashpoint for violence, as the site is holy to both Jews and Muslims. Meanwhile, last Sunday evening, 64-year-old Israeli Alexander Levlovitz was killed when the car he was driving crashed in Jerusalem’s Armon Hanatziv neighbourhood after it was attacked by rock throwers. Levlovitz was returning from a New Year festive meal.
The violence prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call an emergency meeting of ministers and security officials. They decided to on a number of measures, including a minimum sentence for rock throwing and a revision of the rules of engagement in such circumstances. However, during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein apparently opposed altering the rules of engagement, saying that his recent approval of using Ruger rifles in Jerusalem was sufficient. Weinstein also opposed mandatory minimum sentences, instead suggesting that they be introduced as a temporary measure for a year, to assess their deterrent effect.
Netanyahu’s office issues a statement yesterday, saying that the idea of such “a temporary provision for a few years will be studied.” However, according to Ynet news, Netanyahu took a more combative tone during a cabinet meeting yesterday, saying he would introduce “an additional expansion of the police’s ability to foil the throwing of stones and firebombs. With all due respect to the courts, it’s our right and our duty to determine this norm.”
Meanwhile, violence continued yesterday. A family driving in the southern West Bank remarkably escaped injury when attacked by a 15-strong mob which pelted their vehicles with rocks. Rocks were also thrown at vehicles near Hebron, on Route 443 north of Jerusalem and elsewhere.