Netanyahu: Israel Is Ready for Any Scenario After Terror Attacks

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that while Israel was not seeking a further escalation of violence, it was ready for any scenario in the wake of the two terror attacks in Yerushalayim over Shabbos.

Speaking at the beginning of the weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said his government had approved steps to fight terror.

“We are bolstering security forces, while punishing the attackers and those who support them,” the prime minister said. “We have sealed the house of the terrorist who committed the shooting attack on Friday night ahead of its demolition,” he said.

“We have decided to revoke social security benefits, Israeli IDs, and residence visas from families supporting terror. We are also expediting the process for civilians to obtain firearm permits, and will consider steps to strengthen settlements in Yehudah and Shomron in order to make clear to terrorists that we intend to stay in our land,” Netanyahu said.

The Security Cabinet convened late on Motzoei Shabbos following the two terror attacks in Yerushalayim, in order to decide on the appropriate steps to take. “Our response will be strong, quick, and precise. We will inflict harm on those wanting to hurt us and those helping them. We’ve already arrested terror supporters and people working to incite violence,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister said the government was set to enact further measures in the coming days. “We’re bolstering forces in all sectors,” he said. “We will seal and destroy the homes of terrorists in an expedited process in order to make supporters of terror pay. This process began yesterday and is now ongoing.”

Netanyahu said that “weapons in the hands of civilians would’ve saved lives,” referring to the shooting attack outside the Old City of Yerushalayim on Shabbos morning.