Netanyahu vows 'fight to death' as clashes spread after attacks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged "a fight to the death against Palestinian terror" as clashes spread after two deadly attacks, while Jerusalem's Old City was closed to Palestinians for a second day Oct.5.

The Israeli premier's comments late on Oct.4 came as he convened security chiefs immediately after landing back from the United States to discuss the clashes in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
 
Palestinian youths throwing stones and firebombs have faced off against Israeli security forces using both live rounds and rubber bullets. Jewish settlers have also clashed with Palestinians.
 
The rioting has followed three attacks in recent days that have killed four Israelis and wounded several others, including a two-year-old child.    

Threatening to further stoke the flames, Israeli troops shot dead an 18-year-old Palestinian during clashes in Tulkarem in the West Bank on Oct.4, Palestinian police and medics said. Dozens of others have been wounded.    

There have been fears that the sporadic violence could spin out of control, with some warning of the risk of a third Palestinian intifada, or uprising.
 
Netanyahu, facing pressure from right-wing members of his governing coalition to respond forcefully, announced a package of new measures "to prevent terror and deter and punish the attackers".
 
They included swifter demolition of the homes of those accused of attacks, broader use of detention without trial for suspects, and police and troop reinforcements for Jerusalem and the West Bank.
 
He also spoke of using restraining orders to keep "inciters" away from the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the site of repeated clashes in recent weeks.    

Palestinian president...