Danino: There is no 'quiet intifada' in Jerusalem
Police commissioner says police presence in the capital has been increased, with policemen making more efficient use of riot control measures to combat escalation of violence.
In a heated Internal Affairs and Environment Committee meeting, Danino presented police operations in the capital to increase the personal security of its resident, noting that "if Jerusalem needs increased police presence, Jerusalem will always be our first priority."
"During Operation Protective Edge we saw a trend in Jerusalem," explained Danino, "and ever since the murder of Mohammad Abu Khadir there has been quite a large increase in violence and disturbances of order, and it has spread to other regions in Israel. We were determined to steadfastly treat the issue and we succeeded to significantly reduce the attacks."
The police commissioner noted that the number of police officers in Jerusalem has been upped, and that police has been making effective use of riot control measures. "We live in a country in which one must know how to use power wisely. I believe that first and foremost we must return the order using non-lethal means, but not rely solely on these measures. We exhausted procedures and brought indictments (against them), and additionally we held discussions with all the leaders. We all must take responsibility," he said.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said during the meeting that "there is no one here that thinks we are close to being on top of the issue of stone throwing and rioting. Everyone knows that this phenomenon is very serious, intolerable and we won't come to terms with this situation. Period." He added that the "Police have been operating in the field for a week, and I have noted a change in the situation."
Barkat admitted, "I do not like the status-quo at the Temple Mount, but we are obligated to preserve it. I understand the importance of (the status-quo) for stability and calm in Jerusalem. We must return to the status-quo of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount and prayer as it was before. It is really important to maintain it, combat those who are trying to disrupt it, and to enable all the rest to quietly visit the site on the basis of the status-quo."
Saturday was a relatively quiet day in the capital, owing mostly to the rainy weather, but some incidents were noted nevertheless.
The Temple Mount was reopened on Sunday morning abiding by the previous agreement that allows Jews to visit the holy site but not pray there. Prime Minister Netanyahu on Saturday urged lawmakers to show restraint over Jerusalem's Temple Mount however several violent incidents negated his requests and increased the tension in Jerusalem.
"There is no doubt that the attempt to murder a Jew in the center of Jerusalem is a step up in escalation that requires a different approach by police to ensure the personal security of everyone in Jerusalem," said committee chairman MK Miri Regev (Likud).
"The entire city must receive a different treatment from the police. What happened with Yehuda Glick was an attempt at a political assassination. The writing was on the wall. We conducted urgent discussions on the topic in the past two years…the reality must change," Regev said.
"We cannot lose Jerusalem. There is not country in the world that allows this type of behavior in its capitol. When there is helplessness and weakness towards rioters this is the outcome," emphasized Regev.
Danino also addressed the assassination attempt of Yehuda Glick and said that it was "a crossing of a red line when it comes to the fabric of existence on the Temple Mount.
"The temporary closing of the Temple Mount was not intended to last a long time, but was done to stress that we will not let this behavior pass quietly and we will not hesitate to respond when red lines are crossed.
"In light of the escalation of violence, we decided we would not rush to change the status quo.There are days during the year, enshrined in the status quo, on which we will do everything we can so that people's rights will be implemented even if we have to increase police presence and enforce the status quo."
Regev interrupted Danino with a question at this point, asking, "Does this mean that you would act to prevent the entrance of Jews to the site?"
To which Danino responded, "We will be more insistent than we were previously. If our previous inclination was to examine the scope of police force and see whether the risk was too high, now we would bring more police in order to enable everyone eligible to enter the Temple Mount to do so."
