Prior to the terrorist attack at the Ammunition Hill station of the Jerusalem light rail, Israel Police Chief Yochanan Danino visited problematic areas of the capital with Mayor Nir Barkat and other senior city and police officials. Among those taking part in the on-site briefing was newly-appointed Jerusalem Police Chief Chico Edri.

Danino told the press police will exhibit zero tolerance to violence, unlawful protests and attacks. He explained the purpose of the visit by senior officials was to discuss what is going to be done to restore law and order to areas of the city that have been plagued with rock-throwing and firebomb attacks by Arabs in recent months. Danino added “We have placed Yerushalayim at the head of the department’s nationwide priority list”.

Residents of the northern capital have been calling for action amid daily terror attacks aimed at passengers of the light rail, Egged buses or vehicles. They are questioning why officials have abandoned them and turned a blind eye to the security of tens of thousands of residents of northern neighborhoods of the capital.

A special force is being established to address the violence in addition to using technological methods including the deployment of additional surveillance cameras in troublesome areas. The chief promised that the rock-throwers and firebomb attackers will be apprehended and he will restore law and order.

Mayor Barkat has made repeated calls to police to station troops inside the Arab neighborhoods, calling for the department to “go on the offensive”. The mayor explained that placing police in Jewish areas to defend the residents is insufficient, calling on police to move into problematic areas and apprehend the suspects before they can attack again in the future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)