Israeli troops deploy across East Jerusalem, West Bank after violence

Jerusalem — Israeli soldiers and police fanned out across East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Saturday, carrying out raids and arrests a day after three Palestinians were killed in violent protests and after three Israeli settlers were knifed to death in their kitchen during a birthday celebration.

Israeli forces blocked access to the village of Khobar in the West Bank, home to the 19-year-old Palestinian assailant who hopped the fence surrounding the Jewish settlement of Halamish on Friday night and stabbed to death three Israelis — a father and his two adult children — who had gathered for the Sabbath meal.

Israel army commanders said they were readying for more attacks from lone-wolf assailants and more mass demonstrations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the killings on incitement.

“It is a terrorist act committed by a human animal, infused with abhorrent hatred,” he said in a statement. “The security forces are doing all they can to maintain security, and will take all necessary measures to do so.”

Israel and the Palestinians are locked in a tense showdown over Israel’s decision to install metal detectors at the entrances to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City after a shooting rampage at the site eight days ago. Three Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli police officers outside the mosque before being shot dead themselves.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Friday night that his government would “freeze contact on all levels” with Israel until the detectors are removed.

Israeli officials argue that the detectors are needed for security after the gun attack outside the mosque. Palestinians say they will refuse to pass through the devices, which they condemn as another implement of control employed by a hostile occupation.

On Saturday, Abbas’ political party, Fatah, praised the demonstrations against the Israeli metal detectors and asserted that the protests “will not stop until a Palestinian victory and the release of the holy sites from Israeli occupation.”

Fatah called a general strike and three days of mourning in honor of the three dead protesters, who appear to have been killed by Israeli live fire. Israel said it is investigating the deaths.

Israeli leaders downplayed the threat from Abbas to cut off contact, saying he was likely bluffing.