Israel Matzav

Riots on the Temple Mount

During the intermediate days of the Holiday, we go to the Kotel (Western Wall) - once during Pesach and every day during Sukkoth. Today was our day for Pesach.

As we were leaving, there were a large number of border police at the top of the ramp to the Mughrabi gate, and a long line of Jews and tourists waiting at the bottom to ascend. My sons asked why so many border police at 7:30 am on the holiday, and I explained that there had been riots over the past week, and that the Muslims were probably trying to prevent Jews and tourists from ascending the Mount. It turns out that we left just in time.

According to police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, the violence began as officers stationed at Mughrabi Gate unlocked the passageway at approximately 7:45 a.m.

"Police units immediately went to the top of the mount and used stun grenades to secure the scene," he said.

"Officers stayed there for an hour to ensure order and visitation continued as scheduled."

Rosenfeld said there were no injuries reported and arrests are expected later in the day.

The violence comes three days after two police officers sustained light injuries upon opening the Temple Mount’s Mughrabi Gate entrance for visitation, when a throng of Palestinians threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at them.

At least this time, the police apparently gained control of the situation. 

Labels: Israeli border police, Pesach, Temple Mount

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:53 AM