Israeli troops deploy across East Jerusalem and West Bank after violence over holy site - The Washington Post

Israeli troops deploy across East Jerusalem and West Bank after violence over holy site - The Washington Post

JERUSALEM — Israeli forces fanned out across East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Saturday, carrying out raids and arrests a day after three Palestinians were killed in violent protests and after three Israeli settlers were knifed to death in their kitchen during a birthday celebration.

Israeli soldiers blocked access to the village of Khobar in the West Bank, home to the 19-year-old Palestinian assailant who hopped the fence surrounding the Jewish settlement of Halamish on Friday night and stabbed to death three Israelis — a father and his two adult children — who had gathered for the Sabbath meal. 

Israeli officials blamed the killings on Palestinian incitement. “It is a terrorist act committed by a human animal, infused with abhorrent hatred,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinians in turn said it was Netanyahu who was acting recklessly.

Israel and the Palestinians are locked in a showdown over Israel’s decision to install metal detectors at the entrances to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City after a shooting rampage at the site eight days ago. Three Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli police officers outside the mosque before being shot dead themselves.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Friday night that his government would “freeze contact on all levels” with Israel until the detectors are removed.

Israeli officials argue that the detectors are vital for security after the gun attack outside the mosque. Palestinians say they will refuse to pass through the devices, which they condemn as another implement of control employed by a hostile force.