Israeli has vowed to use “any means necessary” to curb stoning-throwing attacks against its citizens. Police officers have been authorised to fire
ADVERTISEMENTIsraeli has vowed to use “any means necessary” to curb stoning-throwing attacks against its citizens.
Police officers have been authorised to fire live rounds in certain situations where civilian lives are considered to be in danger.
“Stones and firebombs are deadly weapons; they kill and have killed. Therefore, in recent days we have changed the open-fire orders for police in Jerusalem,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The new measures have been condemned by human rights group B’tselem.
“This kind of approach, with force and only force on the agenda, including collective punishment, including a very heavy-handed policing attitude, we think is illegal and also immoral,” said Sarit Michaeli, a spokesperson for the human rights group.
Netanyahu also said his government would also advance legislation to punish the parents of children who throw stones and firebombs, and establish minimum sentences.