Bibi Announces Tougher Penalties against ’Stone Throwers’

Local Editor

"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday announced a toughening of the penalties for stone throwers following a third day of clashes in and around al-Quds' [Jerusalem] flashpoint al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Young Palestinian demonstrators threw stones at "Israeli" police who had entered the compound in large numbers and responded with stun grenades in fresh clashes Tuesday despite international calls for calm.

Netanyahu's announcement at the start of an emergency meeting of ministers and security officials came after the death of an "Israeli" driver who lost control of his car after apparently being hit by stones in al-Quds [Jerusalem] on Sunday.

"It has been decided to toughen the measures in many areas; a modification of the rules of engagement will be examined as well as the establishment of a minimum penalty for those who throw stones," the prime minister said.

He added that there would be "significant fines" for minors who commit such offences, as well as for their parents.

"On the day before [Jewish] New Year, it has been proved once again that stones can kill," said Netanyahu.

Muslim protesters fear the apartheid regime will seek to change rules governing the site, with far-right Jewish groups pushing for more access to the compound and even efforts by fringe organizations to erect a new temple.

During the overnight emergency meeting Netanyahu insisted that the status quo at the mosque should be maintained, under which Muslims can use it when they wish.

"Israel is determined to maintain the status quo at Temple Mount," he stressed.

Netanyahu added that he would not let what he called "trouble-makers" upset visits by Jews to the site.

"Israeli" police said they cleared debris from the entrance of the mosque and closed the door on those inside who had been throwing stones, fireworks and other objects at security forces.

The Jordanian-run Waqf organization which administers the site said police entered deep inside the mosque and caused damage.

Amman said the occupation authorities' actions amounted to "aggression" against Arab and Muslim nations, and said it was examining legal and diplomatic means to protect religious sites in the Holy City.

"Israel" seized east al-Quds, where al-Aqsa is located, in the 1967 Six Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team