For the second time in less than a week, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat called on Israel Police to go on the offensive by placing troops inside Arab neighborhoods. The mayor’s latest statement followed the Wednesday evening fatal terror attack at the Ammunition Hill Jerusalem light rail station. Three-month-old Chaya Zisel Braun HY”D was murdered in that attack and eight others were hospitalized, with one in serious condition.

The mayor has repeatedly stated the national government is not doing enough to supply the needed manpower and monetary resources to Jerusalem police to deal with the alarming increase in Arab violence over recent months. While the mayor had words of praise for Jerusalem police commanders, he is critical of Minister of Public Security Yitzchak Aharonovich, who he feels is too slow in dealing with the situation and approving requests for additional resources from local police officials.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)