Surge Of Violence In Israel Sparks Alarm, New Security Steps

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to authorize new security measures in Jerusalem after two weeks of escalating violence in the city and other areas.

At the center of the conflict is access to the holy compound in Jerusalem. Jews revere the site as the Temple Mount; Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif or the Noble Sanctuary. Many Palestinians believe the Israeli government is trying to change access to the holy compound.

The violence started on October 1 when an Israeli husband wife were killed while driving home with their children from an event. Members of Hamas were said to be responsible for the killings. Subsequent attacks of Israelis followed, including four yesterday, with Israeli security forces killing or wounding most of the attackers.

NPR’s Emily Harris has been covering this new wave of violence and what measures are being taken to stop it. She speaks with Here & Now’s Robin Young.

Guest

• Emily Harris, NPR international correspondent based in Jerusalem. She tweets @emilygharris.

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