A day after a terror attack in the capital that killed five people, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday visited the capital's new command center for observation balloons that are now hovering above various parts of the city and are a new component of efforts to tamp down violence in the city.
“There is a real effort to upgrade our efforts, both to protect and also to intervene in real time against attackers,” Netanyahu said, a day after the murderous attack in a Har Nof synagogue.
“No efforts are being spared,” said Netanyahu, in a clear effort to try to restore a sense of security to residents of the capital jarred by the recent significant up-tick in terrorism.
Netanyahu characterized as “significant” the demolition earlier in the morning of the home of the terrorist from Silwan responsible for the attack that killed two, including a three-month-old baby, at a Jerusalem light-rail station last month.
“There will be more house demolitions, and many other steps,” he said. “We have nothing against the residents of east Jerusalem. But we will not tolerate attacks against our citizens, and we will act against those carrying out these acts and against inciters. With a determined and heavy hand we will restore security to Jerusalem.”
Netanyahu was briefed by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat about the observation balloons, and how they assist the security forces in dealing with rioters and rock throwers.
Barkat said the defensive concept that has come together over the last few days “will dramatically increase” Israel's ability to provide an answer to the current violence.