Earlier protests at Mugrabi Gate
Photo: Haim Zach
Police expect Jerusalem riots to intensify towards weekend
Despite Jerusalem mayor's halt on excavation works, police expect acts of disturbance by Arabs across Israel and the territories to increase; police in capital to remain on heightened alert
Police estimated that riots in Jerusalem, in the north and in the territories will intensify towards the end of the week, despite Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski's decision to halt excavation works near the Mugrabi gate.
"There has been a sharp increase in public disturbances and violence by Arab Israelis, following works in the Mugrabi area," a senior police official said Monday.
A number of violent incidents have taken place in recent days, primarily targeted at police forces, but occasionally targeted at Israeli buses and vehicles.
Currently, there have only been a few hundred rioters, police forces told Ynet, but this number is expected to increase.
After a Monday evening situational analysis, Jerusalem Police decided to keep the city on heightened alert in the upcoming days. As such, only Muslim men over 45 or women bearing Israeli citizenship will be allowed access to the Temple Mount.
Police will, again, increase patrols in east Jerusalem, particarly around the Temple Mount.
