The Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Sunday morning 9 Marcheshvan, approved an amendment to the penal code designed to stiffen punishment for throwing stones at motor vehicles; new articles will be added to the penal code to allow for the imposition of sentences of up to 20 years for throwing or casting stones or other objects at a motor vehicle.

The cabinet decision was compelled by mounting Arab violence and attacks, including daily rock-throwing attacks against the Jerusalem light rail and Egged buses in the capital.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who in recent discussions on the disturbances in Jerusalem, had called for legislation on the issue, said at the start of the meeting: “Israel is taking vigorous action against terrorists and those who throw stones, fire bombs and fireworks. We will also pass stronger legislation on the issue. All of this is in order to restore quiet and security throughout Jerusalem. I have ordered that massive reinforcements be brought in and that additional means be used in order to ensure law and order in Israel’s capital.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)