Suspects removing roadbloacks in Silwan
Silwan residents detained after removing roadblocks in E. J'lem
The two suspects claim they were instructed to remove the concrete barricades, thinking there was authorization; roadblocks were put by municipal water company as part of infrastructure work in the neighborhood.
Two residents of Silwan in East Jerusalem were detained on Sunday morning after they worked to remove concrete roadblocks placed in the neighborhood, thinking they were put by the police as part of security measures in the area.
The roadblocks, however, were put there by the municipal water company Hagihon to stop cars from entering a road where infrastructure work was being done.
During the police questioning, the suspects claimed they were acting on instructions from others in Silwan, who told them authorization was given to remove the roadblocks.
Silwan residents working to remove concrete roadblocks
Police investigators, however, were not convinced and are looking to see if there is enough evidence to prosecute them.
Maor Tzemach, Chairman of the organization 'Lach Yerushalayim' (To Thee Jerusalem), which seeks to apply Israeli sovereignty in all parts of Jerusalem, said that "There is great importance in doing the (infrastructure) work to provide municipal services to the residents of East Jerusalem. Unfortunately, extremist groups that oppose Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem time and again incite the residents, leading them to think the State of Israel was hurting their daily lives, even when there is work done to benefit them. The Israel Police should handle anyone who harms or interrupts the infrastructure work in East Jerusalem."
In October 2015, at the height of the wave of stabbing attacks, the cabinet authorized the police to impose a closure of Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem based on operational considerations.
Among others, concrete roadblocks were stationed in entryways to Jabel Mukaber a day after three terrorists who resided there committed two attacks in Jerusalem, murdering three Israelis.
