Decline in terrorism in J'lem area in 2016
Over 3,000 cases of stone and Molotov cocktail-throwing have been recorded in the Israeli capital during 2016 so far, but the police nevertheless reports that this is a dozens-percent decline.
According to new figures revealed in a briefing held by the Israel Police, the capital city of Jerusalem has experienced a significant decline in the number of terrorist incidents and disturbances of the peace in the year 2016 so far, compared to the same time period in 2015.
Despite this, the number is still high: From January to October 2016, over 3,000 cases of stone throwing and Molotov cocktail hurling have been recorded in the city.
According to police figures, the January-October 2016 period saw 2,844 incidents of stone throwing in Jerusalem, and 432 incidents of Molotov cocktail throwing in the city. In comparison, the same time period in 2016 saw 4647 incidents of stone throwing and 741 incidents of Molotov cocktail throwing.
The police and Ministry of Public Security explains the positive change by emphasizing the many enforcement actions in east Jerusalem (which is home to a large Palestinian population), among them a significant rise in the number of arrests and in the presence of police officers.
"The historic plan I initiated along with the Police Commissioner for the strengthening of security in Jerusalem has begun showing signs (of success), and we are already seeing results. In the past year, the police has managed to halt the wave of lone-wolf terrorism in Jerusalem," said Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan on Monday.
According to the police, the biggest cause of the decline in terrorist activity was a meaningful calming of the Temple Mount, which has largely been achieved through the removal of inciters from the politically and religiously combustible area.
