Itongadol.- Government approves amendment that increases sanctions for those who throw stones at cars; Netanyahu: Israel is acting firmly to restore quiet to capital.
The government approved an amendment to the criminal law on Sunday that would increase penalties for people who throw rocks at vehicles.
The government was seeking to curb the problem that has especially plagued Jerusalem over the past few months. Rioters in east Jerusalem have targeted the Jerusalem Light Rail as well as buses and private vehicles.
The changes to the law provide for up to 20 years in prison for an individual who throws a rock or other projectiles at a vehicle.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that stricter laws would be passed to return quiet and security to all parts of Jerusalem.
"Israel is acting firmly against terrorists, rock-throwers, against firebomb throwers and against those who use fire fireworks," the prime minister said at the weekly cabinet meeting.
"I have ordered the reinforcement of massive amounts of forces and other means to guarantee the rule of law in the capital," he added.
"A terrorist is a terrorist. It makes no difference what weapon he uses," Justice Minister Tzipi Livni (Hatnua) said on Sunday. Israeli citizens should not live in fear from rock-throwers and Israel would respond to all acts of terror resolutely and forcefully, she said before the start of the cabinet meeting.
The amendment to the existing law provides for up to ten years jail for a rock thrower who damages a vehicle and as a consequence endangers the life of a passenger or bystander. The 20-year penalty is reserved for individuals who throw rocks or other objects at cars with the intention of endangering a person\’s life.