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Israel

Netanyahu: Extremist attackers not representative

December 15, 2011 11:23
Benjamin Netanyahu

By

Jennifer Lipman,

Jennifer Lipman

1 min read

The Israeli prime minister has pledged to devote more resources to investigations into extremist activity in the West Bank as part of a crackdown into the groups behind the rash of so-called "price tag" attacks.

Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that administrative detention orders, usually reserved for Palestinians under suspicion, could now be issued for Jewish extremists.

He also said that activists should be tried in military courts, clearing the way for tougher sentencing, and gave IDF soldiers the authority to make arrests in the West Bank. More resources will also be directed to those investigating extremist activity, including the police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency.

Although he stopped short of accepting a recommendation to label extremists as terrorists, he warned that anybody who "lays a hand on IDF soldiers or Israeli policemen will be harshly punished."