Israel’s government has authorised security measures to combat the violence sweeping the country.

Soldiers will be deployed on public transport and police will have powers to seal off East Jerusalem and impose a curfew.

Authorities will be able to demolish homes of Palestinians who have been involved in attacks.

The measures were announced after an emergency meeting of the security cabinet.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they would target "those who try murder and all those who assist them".

He also told Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas to "stop lying, and stop inciting".

Mr Abbas has blamed Israeli “aggression” for the rise in violence.

In a letter to the Times, MPs from the Conservative Friends of Israel group called on the British government to do more to tackle Palestinian incitement.

"Inaction and silence has led us to this dark place. Faced with the echoes of the devastating second intifada, the government can no longer afford to be silent," they wrote.

Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood condemned the violence in a statement on Tuesday evening and said the government was "extremely concerned".

"We condemn the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem which have resulted in the deaths of a number of Israeli citizens, as well as other attacks which have left multiple innocent civilians wounded," he said.

But he added: "We are also concerned by the use of force by Israeli security personnel in response to protests and security incidents, which has resulted in several deaths and thousands of injuries.

“We urge all parties to refrain from violence, and encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to actively de-escalate the situation and avoid measures which could further fuel tensions.”