(JTA) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Israeli law enforcement to be more aggressive in combating violent Arab protests in eastern Jerusalem.
On Tuesday, at a special meeting of police and Shin Bet security service chiefs, Netanyahu said that forces should be strengthened in conflict areas and “should act aggressively against rioters,” the French news agency AFP reported, quoting a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Since July, when an Arab teen was murdered by Jewish extremists, Arab youths have been a constant presence on Jerusalem streets and are throwing stones and gas bombs at police and vehicles.
Police said three officers suffered minor injuries Tuesday after being hit by stones and bottles hurled by Arab-Israelis in the Old City. Police say they have arrested more than 700 Arabs in eastern Jerusalem since July, including at least 250 minors.
