LATEST: Despite Public Tensions, US Agrees Multi-Billion Dollar Deal for F-35 Fighter Jets to Israel
Another Palestinian has been killed by Israeli troops during protests in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The Palestinian — described as a “militant” by Israeli authorities was killed after he was shot as a protest in Kfar Yabed was dispersed with live ammunition and tear gas on Tuesday night.
Three Palestinians were wounded in the incident.
In Jerusalem, masked Palestinians threw Molotov cocktails at a police station in the predominantly-Arab Abu Dis neighborhood, while a Light Rail train by stones thrown by Palestinians as it passed through Shuafat in east Jerusalem.
As the protests continue, the Jerusalem Municipality has established an aerial observation unit, with five observation balloons, to provide real-time intelligence on the demonstrations.
Mayor Nir Barkat said the unit will help “enforce law and prevent disturbances throughout the city”.
Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas has intervened with a call to prevent Jews from entering the Temple Mount by all means necessary.
Israel authorities have banned access to the Mount and the al-Aqsa Mosque to all Palestinians except women, children, and men over 40 with an Israeli identity card.
Despite Public Tensions, US Agrees Multi-Billion Dollar Deal for F-35 Fighter Jets to Israel
Despite the eruption of public hostility between Washington and West Jerusalem (see separate analysis), the US Defense Department has agreed a multi-billion dollar deal for “stealth” F-35 fighter jets to Israel.
Israel will purchase 19 jets for about $3 billion as part of its military assistance from the US.
The fighter jets, produced by Lockheed Martin, will be introduced into the Israeli Air Force by 2018. West Jerusalem says the acquistion will counter Syria’s recent purchase of advanced anti-aircraft weapons and will contribute to counter-intelligence operations along the Syrian and Lebanese borders.
