Israel beefs up measures to counter violent attacks

Israel announced on Tuesday several measures amid the country's crackdown on Palestinian terror attacks and incitement, after weeks of raging violence.

The Israeli army said it had shut down overnight between Monday and Tuesday the Palestinian Al Hurria radio station in Hebron, which it claims broadcast "incitement to violence" and encouraged attacks against Israelis.

The army said it confiscated broadcast equipment in order to battle incitement it claims caused the flare of violence in recent weeks. The radio has been active since 2002, and was shut down twice in the past -- in 2002 and in 2008.

Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers apprehended a Palestinian man armed with a knife and an improvised explosive device Tuesday morning next to the Gilboa Crossing between Israel and the West Bank, the army said.

Soldiers seized the suspect at the gas station next to the checkpoint. He was arrested and taken for an interrogation after the weapons were found with him.

The wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians has claimed the lives of 11 Israelis, who were killed in lone-wolf attacks in the form of stabbing, shooting and vehicular attacks in Jerusalem, the West Bank and throughout the country.

The violence has also claimed the lives of more than 70 Palestinians, some of whom died during clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces, and others were killed after allegedly carrying out -- or attempting to carry out -- attacks against Israelis. Some charge Israeli security forces of using excessive force against Palestinians protesters and attackers.

Also on Tuesday, the Israeli parliament economy committee approved a measure banning the import of fireworks of the kind used by Palestinians in protests and clashes, mostly in east Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Israeli security forces charge that these fireworks, if aimed at certain cases at them, could cause serious injury. Endit