Rock terror, shattered windshield; Photo credit: Free use
In May 2020 Honenu launched a campaign to put a stop to rock and Molotov cocktail throwing attacks. For a selection of cases in which Honenu Attorneys have represented victims of rock or Molotov cocktail attacks, see here.
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 11:18 In response to a freedom of information request filed by Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher with the Israeli Police, Honenu has received data regarding rock-throwing incidents which indicates a widespread phenomenon.
In 2020, 110 rock-throwing incidents on Route 6 were reported to the police, despite the lock-downs and other restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak which significantly reduced traffic on the roads of Israel. During 2019, 103 rock-throwing incidents on Route 6 were reported to the police, a slightly lower number than in 2018, 163.
Additional data from the police states that 28 rock-throwing incidents on Route 65, which is known as the “Wadi Ara Route,” were reported to the police during 2020, 23 incidents were reported during 2019, and 28 incidents were reported during 2018.
According to how the data was presented in the response, it is likely that multiple vehicles were damaged in incidents that were reported singly. Also, with regards to Route 6, the response stated that “It is not possible to know if the incident occurred at or north of the Eyal Interchange; incidents of rock-throwing in the central, northern and coastal regions [are included in the response].”
Honenu Attorney Chayim Bleicher: “The response from the police confirms the public’s feeling that terror also strikes on central highways in Israel. Unfortunately it seems that not enough has been done to eradicate this terror, most of which is committed by blue ID card holders [referring to Arab Israeli citizens]. Furthermore, the police have prevented many victims of rock-throwing incidents from receiving recognition as victims of terror, which they need for financial compensation for damages. This indicates that the police are not giving due consideration to the severity of the incidents and the need to prevent them.”