Netanyahu toughens penalties against stone throwers

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday increased the punishments against Palestinians who throw stones and bottles at the Israeli occupation’s forces, the Anadolu Agency reported.

After a long meeting between Netanyahu and his security cabinet members, a statement issued by his office said: “It has been decided to toughen the measures in many areas; a modification of the rules of engagement will be examined as well as the establishment of a minimum penalty for those who throw stones.”

The statement said that Netanyahu is to hold a similar meeting next week to evaluate the new measures.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel has an obligation to maintain the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and said he “will not allow for those chaotic people to prevent Jews from visiting the place.”

Tension at Al-Aqsa Mosque has been escalating since Sunday because of the continuous restrictions imposed by Israeli police and army on Palestinian worshipers, while they facilitate the desecration of the holy site by extremist Jewish settlers.

More than 50 Palestinians were reported to have been wounded during the three day escalation in violence at Al-Aqsa compound, while Israeli police claimed five policemen were wounded by stone throwers.