Politicians call for East Jerusalem lockdown, looser gun regulations

Ahead of an urgent cabinet meeting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Tuesday and thought to be underway now, several Israeli politicians suggested immediate measures they hope the government will take in wake of violent attacks.

Several politicians - including opposition leader Isaac Herzog, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan - reportedly called for the closure of Palestinian neighbourhoods in occupied East Jerusalem.

Lieberman also reportedly said that no assailant should survive an attack and urged the government to deny residency to anyone in East Jerusalem who is involved in an attack. 

"I remind the prime minister and cabinet members: words do not stop terrorists. Security is gained through an iron fist," Lieberman said in a statement.

A police spokeswoman told the Guardian that Erdan was also considering making it easier for Israelis to get gun licenses; Lieberman too reportedly said the country should adopt open-fire regulations similar to the US.