A proposal submitted by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan not to return the bodies of terrorists killed in attacks to their families has been approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet Tuesday evening.
The move comes amid a host of new security and policy measures adopted by the government to quell the recent wave of terrorism affecting Israel.
“The terrorist’s family turns their funeral to a rally of support in terrorism and incitement to murder, and we must not allow that,” Erdan said.
Erdan suggested that the bodies of the terrorists be buried in IDF cemeteries located within Israel’s borders, where other terrorists have been previously buried.
Police are now authorized to “impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read.
The IDF has been ordered to bolster its presence across cities and roads as well as deploy additional units in “sensitive areas along the security fence in the immediate term.”
On Wednesday, six IDF companies were mobilized in Jerusalem alone. “In accordance with the cabinet’s decision last night, as of this morning 300 IDF soldiers have already begin spreading out to provide additional security under police command,” an Israel Police spokesman said in a statement.
Police have also set up checkpoints at “the exits of Palestinian villages and neighborhoods in east Jerusalem.”
The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved also on Wednesday the call-up of 1,400 Border Police reservists, aside from the 850 that have already been called up.
The Security Cabinet also approved the expansion of operational forces of the Israeli Police, as well as recruiting 300 security guards for public transportation at a cost of NIS 80 million.
Additionally, aside from the demolition of terrorists’ homes, the government has banned any future construction at the site of the demolished home. All property belonging to any terrorist who perpetrates an attack will be confiscated and their residency rights revoked.
