Archive photo
Photo: AP
Rise in Molotov cocktail attacks reported
IDF Central Command officers say rise in attacks on Israeli security officers, vehicles throughout West Bank the result of heightened tensions surrounding construction works in east Jerusalem; ‘assailants making cynical use of controversy,’ they say
The last few days have seen a rise in Molotov cocktail and stone-throwing attacks against Israeli security forces and vehicles throughout the West Bank, IDF Central Command officers told Ynet Monday.
The officers said they believed the increase in attacks had to do with the heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli construction works at the Mugrabi Gate in east Jerusalem.
“The assailants are making cynical use of the affair,” one officer said.
A 23-year-old Israeli woman was lightly wounded Monday afternoon when stones were hurled at a bus near the Mount Scopus tunnel as it traveled from Jerusalem to Ma’ale Adumim.
The woman was treated at the site but refused to be evacuated to a hospital.
“It is a miracle from heaven that more people weren’t hurt,” a paramedic told Ynet.
Bus attacked with stones south of Nablus
In another incident on Monday, two Israelis were lightly injured when Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem threw stones at their vehicle near the Mount of Olives neighborhood.
A few hours later a female Border Guard officer sustained light injuries from stones hurled at her by east Jerusalem youths.
Police forces dispersed the offenders with stun grenades and detained two suspects. A total of six east Jerusalem residents were detained throughout the day on suspicion of throwing stones.
A number of Molotov cocktail and stone-throwing attacks were reported in the West Bank as well. In one incident Palestinians lobbed a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli vehicle traveling south of Bethlehem, but no injuries were reported.
Another Israeli bus was attacked with stones south of Nablus; no injuries were reported but the bus was damaged.
Lilach Shoval contributed to the report
