The Jerusalem Post reports that Israeli authorities are trying to fight back against the violence that has become endemic in the country. Internal Security Minister Yizhak Aharonovich said violence has become “routine” in Israeli society, despite the efforts of police. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he considers violence and bullying to be a sort of internal terrorism.
They spoke on a special day of broadcasts dedicated to battling violence. The prime minister said his government would follow a policy of “zero tolerance to violence, both verbal and physical.” He presented a plan for change that includes harsher punishments, increased police presence on the streets and limiting of alcohol sales. He praised the City Without Violence program, which is based on the concept that violence is best tackled by a partnership of government, local authorities, police and social services working in concert.