JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to reexamine open-fire orders regarding the throwing of rocks and firebombs.
The order came Wednesday during a discussion in the Prime Minister’s Office about the security situation in Jerusalem and along Highway 443, the main route into the city, as well as the West Bank.
“Since the legal system is finding it difficult to deal with stone-throwing by minors, changing open-fire orders regarding the throwing of stones and firebombs will be examined, as will be the imposition – by law – of minimum sentences for those who throw stones and firebombs,” Netanyahu said at the meeting according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Participating in the discussion were Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Intelligence and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Shin Bet security agency Director Yoram Cohen and other officials.
“The policy is zero tolerance for stone-throwing and zero tolerance for terrorism,” Netanyahu said, according to the news release.
The prime minister ordered that units along Highway 443 be reinforced; that intelligence and observation efforts be stepped up; and that the possibility of adding cameras and lighting along the entire length of the 20-mile highway be examined.
In addition, two more Border Police companies and approximately 400 Israel Police personnel will be stationed in Jerusalem.
