Israel boosts security measures

Israel's security cabinet agreed on a series of measures that would increase criminal penalties and bolster the rules of engagement against stone throwers and petrol bombers, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

"The security cabinet has decided to authorize police to use live ammunition against people throwing stones and Molotov cocktails when the life of a third person is threatened and no longer only when the police officer is threatened," Netanyahu said in a statement.

While many of the measures require parliamentary approval, increasing minimum prison sentences for perpetrators is enforceable for three years.

"We have decided to penalize more severely adult stone throwers with a minimum sentence of four years in prison and also to authorize larger fines for minors and their parents," Netanyahu said.

Offenders between the ages of 14 and 18 can now face possible jail time and increased fines, while the parents of those under 14 can be hit with financial penalties.

"These sanctions apply to all Israeli citizens and residents of Israel," the Israeli premier said, referring to Palestinians residing in the country, many who live in east Jerusalem.

The move comes at a time of heightened tensions in Jerusalem, which last week witnessed clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians at the al-Aqsa compound.

On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of the risks of a new intifada if clashes persisted.

ls/lw (AFP, Reuters)