Police officers in east Jerusalem
צילום: גיל יוחנן
J’lem: 6 suicide attacks thwarted in 2005
Capital’s police chief says security forces also prevented some 50 stabbing attacks; ‘these figures are indicative of Jerusalem’s importance as a terror attack target,’ he adds
Six suicide attacks were thwarted in Jerusalem in 2005 and 10 would-be suicide bombers were arrested as well, according Jerusalem District Police Commander Ilan Franco.
Franco said security forces also prevented some 50 stabbing attacks, mainly in the Jerusalem area.
“These figures are indicative of Jerusalem’s importance as a terror attack target,” he said, adding that the past month-and-a-half has seen a sharp increase in cases in which Palestinians carrying knives were caught at checkpoints at the entrance to the capital; some of them admitted they had planned on carrying out stabbing attacks in the city.
In addition, there were alerts regarding possible attempts at kidnappings, in Jerusalem in 2005, particularly in the northern part of the city, and police received warnings regarding shooting attacks, placement of bombs and mortar shell firing in south Jerusalem.
“There are several general warnings regarding Jerusalem, including attempts at kidnappings, mainly of security officers,” Franco said.
Police still find it difficult to deal with the looming terror threats as the construction of the around-Jerusalem segment of the West Bank security fence has yet to be completed.
“As of today, only half of the segment has been completed; Jerusalem is still penetrable,” Franco added. “I estimate that towards the end of 2006 or the beginning of 2007 the construction will be nearly completed.”
‘Drug phenomenon expanding’
Regarding Hamas’ activity in east Jerusalem, especially in relation to the recent Palestinian parliamentary elections, he said, “Jerusalem Police is dealing with Hamas as a terror organization until it is decided otherwise. Police will not permit the establishment of Hamas villages in east Jerusalem.”
Despite the security alerts, Jerusalem police also focused on other missions, such the anti-disengagement demonstrations, attempts by rightists to reach the Temple Mount and day-today criminal activity.
On the upside, 2005 saw a major decrease in murders – as only nine people were murdered compared with 16 in 2004. However, the number teen drug offenders has risen by 15 percent.
“This is an issue that we are very concerned with,” Franco said. “The drug phenomenon in the Jerusalem district is expanding, and dealing with the youth is a priority this year, especially with regards to drug and alcohol abuse.”
Five nightclubs were closed down in the city due to violence and the selling of alcoholic beverages to minors.
