As police prepared Friday for possible violant disturbances in Jerusalem, a senior security official estimated that rioting in the capital could continue for several more weeks, if not months. The security official told Channel 10 that defense establishment estimates do not believe there is an order on high or an organized hierarchy behind recent disturbances in east Jerusalem. While relative quiet reigned as the Temple Mount compound was reopened and Muslim worshipers engaged in Friday morning prayers a day after the holy site was closed to all visitors, security forces remained on high alert. Following calls by Fatah to hold a “day of rage” in Jerusalem and the West Bank, entrance to the site was limited to men over the age of 50, while women of all ages were permitted access. Police said security was bolstered in the capital with an increased police presence in the Old City to prevent possible violence. The Temple Mount was shut down to Jewish and Muslim visitors as a security precaution Thursday after an attempt was made on the life of right-wing activist Yehuda Glick and security authorities killed the Palestinian suspected of carrying out the attack. It was the first time the Temple Mount has been closed to visitors since 2000, when the Wakf closed the site in protest after Ariel Sharon’s visit. “A strategic decision was made to close it in order to prevent any incidents or disturbances from taking place there,” said Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld of the contested holy site. “After security assessments were made Thursday afternoon, the decision was made to reopen the Temple Mount Friday morning.” However, amid ongoing rioting in east Jerusalem and chronic rioting known to take place on the Temple Mount itself after Friday prayers, Rosenfeld noted that strict age restriction will be enforced, barring any men under 50, from entering. Women of all ages will be given passage, he said.........
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:30:34 +0000
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