MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Uri Maklev on Monday, 12 Tammuz, told a session of the Knesset Interior Committee that the daily rock-throwing attacks against the Jerusalem light rail are intolerable. He warned that passengers of the light rail service are in danger because of the attacks, adding “passengers are prisoners” for they have no other means of public transport to escape the daily attacks on the light rail.

The session was convened by the committee chairman, MK (Likud) David Amsellem to discuss the deteriorating security situation on the light rail. Amsellem explained the problem is not confined to the light rail but throughout areas of the eastern capital including Har HaZeisim, on buses to and from the Kosel and in seamline communities such as N’vei Yaakov.

Amsellem feels the problem is far more serious on the light since changing the route is not an option, hence the situation must be addressed. Amsellem reminded participants in the meeting that when the light rail’s route was being planned, some expressed skepticism about permitting the light rail to run through predominately Arab areas, but they were assured police and other agencies will not permit rock attacks and the like to take place and therefore the route can run through these areas.

Amsellem added that he has heard promises of technological and manpower solutions to stop the attacks but this has yet to occur. He lamented that the bottom line is that the attacks continue daily and all of the measures taken to date have failed.

Maklev stated that from his perspective, riders to not need to pass through the Arab areas, which places them in danger, yet this was the route selected, which defies logic.

Ron Ravid, CEO of CityPass which operates the light rail was in attendance. He explained that number of attacks against the light rail are diminishing in number and they do not interfere with the light rail’s operations. Responding to his comments, Maklev stated “When we turned to you about service on the train, overcrowding and timetables that are not met. You responded ‘this is because of the rock-throwing attacks’. Now that this is being discussed you say there is no problem. This is not the way to deal with problems”.

Maklev turned to Israel Police officials present during the meeting, learning dozens of cases have been opened against rock-throwers, adding police continue to step up efforts to halt attacks. He added legislation is in the works to permit stiffer punishment for persons throwing rocks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)