Tension In Yerushalayim: Cabinet Decides To Leave Metal Detectors At Har Habayis

The security cabinet conveyed last night and accepted the recommendations of Chief of police, Roni Alshich and minister of internal security, Gilad Erdan, not to remove the metal detectors from the entrances to Har Habayis.

Despite the rising tensions as a result of the newly placed metal detectors, which came in light of last week’s terror attack, the decision was made to leave them in place.

As well, for years there hasn’t been any limitations on Muslim entry to Har Habayis, but with tensions mounting, police are limiting entry to people over the age of 50.
Arab leaders are calling on Muslim worshipers to head to Har Habayis for the Friday prayers, and to participate in a ‘day of rage’.

Aside from the thousands of police officers deployed in Yerushalayim to ensure calm, the IDF has ordered 5 brigades on standby in case riots and unrests break out in the capital.

Since Thursday night, Police have already started inspecting Palestinian buses entering the city, in order to ensure that weapons aren’t smuggled into the city for ‘the day of rage’.

Many mosques throughout the city have been closed for Friday prayers, and Muslim Sheiks are calling upon their congregants to head to Har Habayis.

“If Israel does not remove the magnometers, we will remove them with our own hands” said sheik Kamil Chatib, inciting the masses.

Despite all the threats by Arab leaders, security officials say they will not back down from their decision to leave the metal detectors in place.

A statement released by the Prime Ministers offices said, “Israel is committed to the protection and safety of all the worshipers and visitors to the Temple Mount”.

Meir of Yerushalayim Nir Barkat also released a statement saying, “The decision of Yerushalayim police commander Yoram Halevi, to place the metal detectors at the entrance to Har Habayis is a brave decision- since last week at this hour two police officers were already murdered. It’s taking responsibility that such incidents do not repeat themselves”.

Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!