PM Benjamin Netanyahu warns Israeli Arabs against riotingReuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the Arab community in the country against rioting over the latest unrest.
Pledging to restore peace by acting "calmly and responsibly," the Israeli premier urged the Arabs to help contain the skirmishes.
At the opening ceremony of the weekly cabinet meeting he said: "You cannot enjoy social security payments and child benefit on the one hand, and violate the most basic laws of the State of Israel on the other. I call upon leaders of the Arab public to take responsibility, to face the wave of rioting and restore peace."
"Those who do not respect the law will be arrested and punished severely."
His latest remarks have come at a time when Israeli forces have bombarded at least 10 suspected militant targets in the Gaza Strip region over the murder of three Israeli teenagers.
He said: "The goal of all our actions is to restore peace and security to all Israeli citizens, especially residents of the south. Experience has proved that in moments like these it is best to act calmly and responsibly and not with bluster and rashness. We will do everything necessary to restore quiet and security to the south."
However, his comments have indicated that he is ruling out a full-fledged attack on Hamas in the immediate future.
The country is on high alert following days of rioting led by Arab groups in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. The groups have taken to the streets following reports that a 16-year old Arab was murdered in a suspected reprisal attack by Israelis.
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