In July 2008, two Palestinians drove their tractors into cars and
civilians
throughout Jerusalem in attacks attributed to Hamas. Three Israelis were
killed and about 50 people were injured.
The Israel Security Agency has urged the government to demolish the
homes of Palestinian insurgents. Authorities have been prevented from
destroying homes of suicide bombers and other insurgents by the High Court
as well as the government.
"Home demolition is an effective tool and serves as a deterrence if
conducted properly," another official said. "It can't stop everybody, but
those who care about their families will think twice."
Officials have determined that Hamas and related groups were monitoring
Palestinians who live in Jerusalem, particularly those employed by the
municipality. They said Hamas operatives were focusing on recruiting
Palestinians who had access to bulldozers and critical facilities.
Palestinians with criminal records were said to be susceptible to Hamas
pressure to participate in insurgency attacks to dismiss accusations that
they were collaborating with Israeli authorities. Both Palestinian bulldozer
drivers had criminal records, which in one case included charges of rape.
"Sanctions should be applied against the families of terrorists in cases
where it is proved that they collaborated in attacks, or did nothing to stop
them," Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit said. "If it is determined that there
is a real tendency among Palestinian workers from east Jerusalem to use
heavy equipment to perpetrate attacks, then replacements should be found in
Israel."
