Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday Israel will start sentencing people convicted of throwing objects like rocks and flares to a minimum of four years in jail.
"The Security Cabinet unanimously adopted a series of measures within the framework of our fight against stone throwers, petrol bombs, and flares," he said in a televised statement. "We intend to change the norm that has taken root, that in Israel, you can throw these dangerous, murderous objects without a response and without combating them." Because this is a temporary measure good for three years, parliament does not have to approve. Local NGOs have spoken out against the move, saying it targets Palestinian children, who are often accused of stone-throwing.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
7 drinks for every winter need possibleThe Week Recommends Including a variety of base spirits and a range of temperatures
-
'We have made it a crime for most refugees to want the American dream'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Was the Azerbaijan Airlines plane shot down?Today's Big Question Multiple sources claim Russian anti-aircraft missile damaged passenger jet, leading to Christmas Day crash that killed at least 38
-
Mossad's history with explosive technologyThe Explainer Infamous Israeli spy agency has not claimed responsibility for Hezbollah's exploding pagers but has 'decades-long' list of remote assassinations
-
Hamas and Hezbollah strikes: what does it mean for Israel?Today's Big Question Iran vows revenge for death of Hamas political leader in Tehran, hours after Israeli strike kills top Hezbollah member in Beirut
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Israel says Gaza split in two in 'significant stage' of war against HamasSpeed Read Troops expected to enter Gaza City within 48 hours as US secretary of state continues 'diplomatic shuttle'
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
How trustworthy are the Gaza Health Ministry's casualty numbers?The Explainer President Biden and other observers of the Israel-Hamas war are skeptical of the Hamas-run ministry's death toll. But those doubts may be unwarranted.
