Israel Cracks Down on Jewish Extremists after Arson

JERUSALEM, Israel -- In the wake of last week's arson attack that killed a toddler and critically injured his 4-year-old brother and parents in the Arab village of Duma, Israel's Security Cabinet voted Sunday to reinstate administrative detention.

Administrative detention allows the security apparatus to imprison anyone suspected of affiliation with radical groups for up to six months without legal counsel or a trial. It also allows property seizure when circumstances warrant such action.

The attack appears to have been carried out by Jewish extremist youth, causing a maelstrom of condemnation across Israeli society.

In a statement after Sunday's meeting, the Security Cabinet said it "views the arson and murder in Duma as a terrorist attack in every respect," ordering the security agencies to take all necessary steps to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent similar attacks.

Earlier at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers, "This is what distinguishes us from our neighbors."

"We deplore and condemn these murderers. We will pursue them to the end," he said. "They name public squares after the murderers of children. This distinction cannot be blurred or covered up. It is important to say even as we utter our condemnations and unite against the criminals among out people."

Netanyahu also visited 4-year-old Ahmed Sa'ed, who suffered burns over 60 percent of his body in the arson attack that killed his little brother. His mother and father are also in critical condition.

"We recently witnessed two abhorrent crimes," he said after the visit. "Our policy toward these crimes is zero tolerance."

"We are determined to vigorously fight manifestations of hate, fanaticism and terrorism from whatever side. The fight against these phenomena unites us all. This is not a struggle by this or that faction. This is a matter of basic humanity and is at the foundation of our enlightened Jewish values."

Hamas, meanwhile, called on Arab residents of Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and "occupied Jerusalem" to renew suicide attacks against Israelis, designating every Jew is "a legitimate target," and against Palestinian Authority security forces for cooperating with the IDF.

The same day, Shira Banki, the 16-year-old stabbed at Jerusalem's gay pride march, succumbed to her injuries.

According to Israeli media, the teenager joined the event in support of a gay friend and not because she herself followed the lifestyle.

Netanyahu offered condolences to the Banki family.

"Shira was murdered because she courageously supported the principle according to which everyone is entitled to live their lives in dignity and safety," he said.

"We will not allow the abhorrent murderer to undermine the fundamental values upon which Israeli society is based. We strongly condemn the attempt to instill hatred and violence in our midst and we will deal with the murderer to the fullest extent of the law," Netanyahu said.

Shira's parents donated her organs hoping they could be used to save other people's lives, while admonishing everyone for "a little less hate and a lot more love."