Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Monday 26 Tishrei spoke with Kol Berama Radio’s Mordechai Lavi, addressing the increased violence in northern areas of the capital. The mayor spoke about the rock-throwing and firebomb attacks that have become daily occurrences.
The mayor explained that he agrees with northern area residents who are complaining of the deterioration in security. He explained that his office began dealing with the worrisome trend prior to Operation Protective Edge but after the war broke out it was difficult to get state agencies to focus on local matters. Now that the fighting in Gaza has ended he insists his office is working with local and national agencies to restore security to all residents of the capital. The mayor feels there are a number of major steps that must be taken.
One of those steps he feels is police must ordered to move offensively “and not just take up position in Jewish neighborhoods to protect residents”. The mayor explained that police units must be stationed in the troublesome Arab areas of the capital to permit getting a handle on the situation and to apprehend the persons responsible for the rock-throwing and firebomb attacks before they get to the Jewish areas. The mayor stressed the need to increase deterrence to such attacks, and this demands stiffer penalties for persons arrested.
“When a rock-throwing is finally apprehended by police and released from a jail a week later, this is not a deterrence. He is calling for harsher punishment for those apprehended to keep them off the streets and to send a clear message to others contemplating such illegal acts.
While the mayor praised Jerusalem Police, he was critical of Public Security Minister Yitzchak Aharonovich. He feels the minister lags when it comes to addressing requests for additional manpower and equipment from Jerusalem Police and this is part of the problem law enforcement agencies in the capital faces today.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
I have a cheap and effective solution; it is called a ‘bullet to to head’!
A rock can kill, and that is what they want. As a security personal you are obligate to protect by taking out the Arab killer for good!!!
Use real bullets shot by snipers!