Police to exercise 'zero tolerance' policy against rioters

Senior police official says some riots held in protest of Gaza op initiated by private individuals, while others were 'covertly orchestrated' by Arab-Israeli leaders

Sharon Roffe-Ofir|Published: 12.30.08 , 10:38

Some 100 Arab residents of east Jerusalem have been detained by Israeli security forces since the launching of operation Cast Lead in Gaza on Saturday. About 20 police and Border Guard officers sustained light injuries in disturbances, which did not spread to the western part of the capital.

At least 1,000 east Jerusalem residents took part in riots protesting Israel's military action in the Hamas-controlled territory. During the disturbances stones and Molotov cocktails were thrown at security forces.

Indictments have already been filed against some of the detainees.

In Beit Hanina, a Palestinian town located 4.5 miles (6 kilometers) to the north of Jerusalem, residents attempted to set up a mourners' tent in honor of those killed in Gaza but were stopped by police and Border Guard forces.

'No return to October 2000 riots'

In the police's Northern District some 107 Arab teens suspected of rioting have been detained since Saturday.

"We will exercise zero tolerance in the face of the rioters and those inciting against Israel," Northern District Commander Shimon Koren told Ynet, "We were prepared for such scenarios."

According to Koren, some of the disturbances were initiated by private individuals, while others were "covertly orchestrated" by Arab leaders.

During the disturbances in the North Molotov cocktails were thrown at central intersections and roads and stones were hurled at passing vehicles and police squad cars.

"Some of the Arab leaders were able to contain the riots, while others have been holding their posts for a relatively short period and therefore lack the authority to control (the Arab-Israeli public)," Koren stated.

Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen said on Sunday that "I do not fear a return to the October 2000 riots. Those took place at the beginning of the decade; we've all matured since then. The public has matured, we've learned our lessons; everyone knows this is a completely different situation. The Arab public has responsible leaders."