Knesset OK's minimum sentence for stone throwers

The Knesset lends its final approval to a bill that would temporarily hike the minimum punishments against those who attack a moving vehicle with rocks or other objects.

The bill, which comes amid a spike in Palestinian violence and rioting, imposes a minimum sentence of three years on those convicted of throwing rocks at moving vehicles, but leaves judges with the option of handing down lighter sentences when there are “special circumstances.”

The bill also recommends that Israel’s social security law be amended so that those convicted of such offenses won’t be eligible for benefits while they serve out their sentences.