Security Situation In and Around Jerusalem
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Security Situation In and Around Jerusalem

  • 9/16/2015
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    ​(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
     
    On September 15, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a discussion on the security situation in and around Jerusalem and said at the start of the meeting: "We will use all necessary measures to fight against those who throw stones, firebombs, pipebombs and fireworks in order to attack civilians and police. On the eve of the holiday it was again proven that throwing stones can kill. Such actions will be met with very sharp punitive and preventive responses. We will lead systemic changes and will set a new standard of deterrence and prevention."
     
    It was decided to increase steps in several areas: Changing open-fire orders will be examined as will be setting minimum sentences for these offenses and imposing heavy fines on minors - and their parents - who commit these offenses.
     
    Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is committed to maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount and added that rioters would not be allowed to prevent Jews from visiting the Mount. The Prime Minister directed that a further discussion be held next week in order to advance the steps decided on this evening.
     
    Also attending the discussion were Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Jerusalem Affairs Minister Zeev Elkin, Transportation and Road Safety Minister Yisrael Katz, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Acting Police Commissioner Bentzi Sau. ISA Director Yoram Cohen, Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen, Foreign Ministry Director General Dr. Dore Gold, attorney Isaac Molcho and other senior officials.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday morning (16 September 2015) toured the Jerusalem neighborhood of Armon Hanatziv where Alexander Levlovich was killed. PM Netanyahu issued the following statement:
     
    "We are changing policy. The present situation is unacceptable and we intend to give soldiers and police officers provide the tools necessary to act very firmly against those who throw stones and firebombs. The stone does not distinguish between a car hit here, in which an Israeli citizen was killed, and a rock thrown within the Green Line. We are also going to adopt changes in the rules of engagement and for minimum sentences on those who throw stones and firebombs. In addition, we will massively increase fines for minors and their families to create deterrence there as well. In the State of Israel these phenomena are intolerable, and I'm not just talking about the roads to Jerusalem or about Jerusalem itself, I am talking about the Galilee and the Negev as well. We are changing our policy to declare war on those who throw rocks and firebombs."
     
    Regarding the Temple Mount, the Prime Minister said:
     
    "We are in favor of strictly maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount. The status quo is upset constantly by agitators and rioters who barricade themselves on the Temple Mount and harass worshipers, or, more precisely, the Jewish visitors. This is also unacceptable to us. We are dealing with this, in cooperation and dialogue with Jordan, and not just with them."