Netanyahu addresses cabinet meeting (March 30
Netanyahu addresses cabinet meeting (March 30Flash 90

The government has approved the amendment to the penal code to increase the punishment for throwing stones at motor transportation vehicles. The amendment is expected to soon reach the Knesset table for discussion. 

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu convened a discussion last Monday on the security situation in Jerusalem, calling on legislators to speed up a law stiffening punishment for rock throwers. 

Representatives of the State Attorney's Office responded that they had given instructions to get tougher in arresting and punishing rock throwers, and have drawn up criteria for placing financial sanctions on the parents of rock throwers in certain cases.

The amendment would allow the imposition of the following penalties:

Throwing rocks or other objects at a moving vehicle would be punishable by up to 10 years in jail. Throwing rocks at a moving vehicle with intent to injure could be punished by up to 20 years. In addition, throwing rocks at security officers could involve a 5-year sentence.

The Prime Minister opened the weekly Cabinet meeting, Sunday, with the proposed amendment. Discussions followed on the subject of the riots in Jerusalem, which presumably contributed to the approval of the new legislation to pass to the Knesset for final approval.

Israel is taking vigorous action against terrorists and those who throw stones, fire bombs and fireworks. We will also pass stronger legislation on the issue," Netanyahu stressed.

"All of this is in order to restore quiet and security throughout Jerusalem. I have ordered that massive reinforcements be brought in and that additional means be used in order to ensure law and order in Israel's capital."