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Israel boosts security measures

September 24, 2015

Israel has bolstered security measures against stone throwers, including broadening the use of live fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move applies to "all Israeli citizens and residents of Israel."

https://p.dw.com/p/1GdHa
Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian youth
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Gharabli

Israel's security cabinet agreed on a series of measures that would increase criminal penalties and bolster the rules of engagement against stone throwers and petrol bombers, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

"The security cabinet has decided to authorize police to use live ammunition against people throwing stones and Molotov cocktails when the life of a third person is threatened and no longer only when the police officer is threatened," Netanyahu said in a statement.

While many of the measures require parliamentary approval, increasing minimum prison sentences for perpetrators is enforceable for three years.

"We have decided to penalize more severely adult stone throwers with a minimum sentence of four years in prison and also to authorize larger fines for minors and their parents," Netanyahu said.

Palestinian youth throw stones at Israeli security forces
Palestinians have long used stones as a symbol of resistance against Israeli occupation in the West BankImage: Reuters/A. Awad

Offenders between the ages of 14 and 18 can now face possible jail time and increased fines, while the parents of those under 14 can be hit with financial penalties.

"These sanctions apply to all Israeli citizens and residents of Israel," the Israeli premier said, referring to Palestinians residing in the country, many who live in east Jerusalem.

The move comes at a time of heightened tensions in Jerusalem, which last week witnessed clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians at the al-Aqsa compound.

On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of the risks of a new intifada if clashes persisted.

ls/lw (AFP, Reuters)