Israeli security forces have introduced a number of measures to prevent further attacks after 7 Israelis were killed and many more wounded over the last two weeks of violence. Three Israeli’s were killed yesterday alone, in what was called the ‘Day of Rage’ by Palestinians.
The violence continued today when a woman, in her 50s, was injured in a stabbing at Jerusalem’s central bus station. The attacker was shot dead by security officials. In a separate incident, a knife-wielding Palestinian was shot dead by security officers after he charged at Israelis at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem.
In a statement released this morning, a police spokesperson said: “in accordance with the cabinet’s decision last night, as of this morning 300 IDF soldiers have already begun spreading out to provide additional security under police command”.
The soldiers will mainly assist with providing security on public transport at a cost of NIS 80 million while the Transportation Ministry recruits and trains more security guards.
Police have also begun to set up checkpoints at the entrances to Arab neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem, where many of the attackers have come from. Several entrances to Jabel Mukaber, where three of Tuesday’s terrorists hailed from, have already been sealed off.
Police will be “authorised to impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem, in accordance with security considerations”, read a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
1,400 reservists in the Border Police will also be called up as part of the government response to terror attacks; other measures include the demolition of terrorists’ homes and the revoking of permanent residency rights from their families.
Five attacks have claimed the lives of three Israelis and left over 20 wounded over the past 24 hours. 30 Palestinians, including attackers, have died in the past two weeks.
