Israel to fortify fence over increased violence

Two Palestinians were killed while trying to throw firebombs; a third died during an attempted knife attack.

JERUSALEM — Three Palestinians were shot and killed in separate clashes with Israeli security forces in the West Bank on Thursday as Israel announced plans to strengthen a fence near the flashpoint city of Hebron in an effort to contain a two-month spate of violence.

In the first incident, the Israeli military said a clash erupted after troops raided the village of Qattana overnight to search for ammunition and arrest suspected assailants. Palestinians hurled firebombs and stones at troops, according to the army. Yehya Taha, 21, was shot in the head and later died, according to Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman Mohammed Awawdeh.

Later in the day, Israeli border guards shot and killed a Palestinian attacker wielding a knife near the West Bank city of Nablus, according to police. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the alleged assailant as 51-year-old Samir Seresi. Late Thursday, it said a 21-year-old Palestinian was killed in clashes with soldiers near Hebron. The Israeli military said the Palestinian was about to throw a firebomb at passing traffic when soldiers opened fire.

The deaths were the latest in a two-month wave of violence. Since mid-September, 19 Israelis have died in Palestinian attacks, mostly stabbings and shootings. At least 94 Palestinians have also died, including 58 said by Israel to be attackers. The others died in clashes with Israeli forces.

In an effort to quell the violence, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon announced Wednesday that Israel will fortify an existing fence west of Hebron. Yaalon said attackers have managed to get through the structure in recent weeks.

The approximately 25mile stretch of fence is part of a sprawling West Bank separation barrier that Israel has built over the last decade or so.

Yaalon told lawmakers that the project will take a year.

Israel says the unrest stems from incitement by Palestinian leaders. The Palestinians say it’s rooted in frustrations over Israel’s occupation of nearly half a century. Palestinians also accuse Israel of using excessive force in suppressing violence.

NASSER NASSER/AP Palestinian women cry Thursday during the funeral of Yehya Taha, 21, who was reportedly killed during clashes with Israeli troops as they conducted a raid in a West Bank village.