Israel Adopts “Zero Tolerance” to Protect Roadways

Amid rising incidents of rocks and Molotov cocktails being thrown onto roadways leading to Jerusalem and in eastern neighborhoods of the city, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that a “zero-tolerance” policy against stone-throwing and terrorism is in effect. Backing up his words, the PM ordered a boost in forces along Route 443 which leads to the capital with increased observation and intelligence capabilities, presumably including additional drones. At a meeting with security heads, it was also decided to deploy two border police units and 400 police officers in the area primarily affected. Netanyahu also said legal changes are being considered such as the imposition of minimum sentences for those caught throwing rocks or Molotov cocktails. In addition to a noticeable increase in incidents of rocks hurled onto roadways, Jerusalem has been plagued by seemingly random stabbings, primarily in Jerusalem.