Amid Jerusalem violence, Netanyahu calls for stiffer punishments for rock throwers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday blamed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for joining with Islamic extremists and inciting against Israel by spreading rumors that Israel planned to change the status quo on the Temple Mount. “There is no change in the status quo in the Temple Mount, and there is no intention to make any changes in this area,” Netanyahu said at yet another consultation in his office dealing with the escalation of tension in the capital. During the meeting the prime minister issued directives to speedily move forward legislation to significantly stiffen penalties against rock throwers. A representative for the State's Attorney said directives have already been issued to carry out arrests and toughen punishment for rock throwers, including in specific cases fining parents of minors engaged in such acts of violence. Among those who participated in the meeting were Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, and Israel Security Agency chief (Shin Bet) Yoram Cohen. Authorization of east Jerusalem housing units Earlier on Monday, officials from Netanyahu's office said the prime minister authorized planning to advance 1,060 new housing units in neighborhoods in Jerusalem beyond the 1967 lines According to the officials, 660 of these units will be constructed in the northern neighborhood of Ramot Shlomo, and another 400 in Har Homa. Netanyahu has also given the green light to move forward infrastructure projects in the West Bank, including – the officials said – roads that will serve the Palestinians as well. The official declined to comment whether there was concern these moves would significantly harm Israel's position in Europe and the US, which sharply condemned an announcement earlier this month of moving forward development in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos.

Amid Jerusalem violence, Netanyahu calls for stiffer punishments for rock throwers

A representative for the State's Attorney said directives have already been issued to carry out arrests and toughen punishment for rock throwers, including fining parents of minors.

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