Weinstein opposes opening fire against stone throwers despite PM claims
A-G Yehuda Weinstein announced at a special hearing that he opposed the motion to open fire at stone throwers, despite the PM's Office's statement that the draft was presented with his consent.
By DANA SOMBERG/MAARIV HASHAVUAUpdated: SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 21:38Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein said on Sunday that he opposes stricter rules of engagement, opening fire against stone throwers and setting minimum sentences for those caught.Weinstein made the remarks at the end of a special hearing held at the Prime Minister's office about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem.His statements were made despite the Prime Minister's Office's claim yesterday that the draft presented by the police included Weinstein's consent. The draft included the tightening of the rules of engagement, and approved the use of the Ruger American Rifle by police against certain rock-throwers in Jerusalem.Weinstein argued that the existing provisions "are sufficient as is" and there is no need to change them. He said he did not approve of the heightened responses by police, but only the approval of the use of Ruger rifles.The Justice Ministry also said that Weinstein objected to the enforcement of minimum sentences against those charged with rock throwing and finally agreed to it only as a temporary measure and only for adult assailants.Earlier during the hearing, Netanyahu said he is also considering the idea of stricter punishment and possible jail time for throwing stones beyond the minimum penalty. The Prime Minister also called to re-examine the existing rules of engagement in order to adapt them to the reality on the ground so that police could prevent and deter terrorism.In response, the Attorney General said that they would re-examine their procedural methods.Both parties intend to discuss these changes, and the matter will be decided upon at a final meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced a war on rock-throwing following a wave of violence by Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank.Multiple human rights groups complained about the new, more aggressive rules of engagement for the Jerusalem police as well as new checkpoints set up around certain east Jerusalem neighborhoods.“The outcome of legalizing fire on rock-throwers in Jerusalem would be the legalizing of taking Palestinian minors’ blood,” B’Tselem said Thursday.Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
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