[VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Following the sharp increase in attacks in the Gush Etzion area, particularly at Gush Etzion Junction, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Tuesday morning headed out to the Gush in a showing of solidarity.

The mayor was greeted and escorted by Mr. Davidi Perl, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council. Also taking part in the event was MK (Bayit Yehudi) Shuli Muallem.

They visited the junction where the most recent fatal attack occurred, on Monday, which claimed the life of 21-year-old Hadar Buchris, a student in the Midrasha in Bat Ayin.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)