Temple Mount security personnel and border policemen removed 13 Jewish visitors from Jerusalem’s contested holy site on Sunday morning for violating the High Court’s law forbidding Jews from openly praying at Judaism’s holiest site due to security concerns.
Despite the brief disturbance, police said more than 1,000 visitors toured the compound without incident for Passover and Greek Orthodox Palm Sunday, although a group of Muslims was removed for chanting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great”) at the Jewish worshipers.
“Israel Police escorted roughly 1,050 people to the Temple Mount, including 885 tourists and over 100 Israelis, and during the visit 13 were removed from the area for not behaving according to the security measures that were implemented,” said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
“Police also had to move out of the area Palestinians who were chanting “Allahu Akhbar,” but no other incidents took place, and no one was injured or arrested.”
Rosenfeld added that security measures will remain heightened for Monday morning’s Priestly Blessing, expected to draw thousands of Jews to the Western Wall.
“Border Police, undercover units and special patrol units will be mobilized throughout the Old City and Jerusalem to prevent any terrorist attacks,” he said.