Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening (15 September 2015)
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.