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Netanyahu: Radical Islam Reaching Israel

CBN

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JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israel is on high alert due to growing violence in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has even declared the Temple Mount off limits to Knesset members.

Netanyahu warned his country that the flames of radical Islam burning throughout the Middle East are also reaching Israel.

"We are in the midst of a wave of terrorism. Terrorists that have been incited and who are riven with hate are trying to attack our people – babies, children, men and women, civilians and soldiers," Netanyahu told the nation.
 
In just two days, Palestinians carried out 10 stabbing attacks in Jerusalem and other cities in Israel and the disputed territories, including two at the Lion's Gate in Jerusalem's Old City.

Rock-throwing and fire-bombing cars are regular occurrences as well as rioters clashing with Israeli soldiers.

Netanyahu and other government ministers went on live television to calm anxiety.
 
"Israelis are acting with bravery, composure and determination to neutralize and eliminate the terrorists. This requires extraordinary courage and resourcefulness and we are proud to be part of a country that has such citizens," he said.
 
Netanyahu blames Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the Islamic Movement in Israel.

He also said the Islamic Movement "is igniting the ground with lies regarding our policy on the Temple Mount."

Earlier, Netanyahu declared the Temple Mount off limits to Knesset members, including Arab MKs, in an effort to calm the situation.
 
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat called on Israelis with gun permits to carry their weapons. Some schools went on strike because parents are afraid to send their children to school.
 
Many are asking if this violence could be a third intifada Palestinian uprising. But Palestinian expert Pinchas Inbari, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, told CBN News it doesn't matter what it's called.
 
"They are throwing stones, they are killing, they are shooting, they are stabbing so they are not quiet," he said. "So whether it is an intifada or not is not important."
 
Inbari says overall, Israel wants to deal with troublemakers and not create friction with the entire Palestinian population.

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