Heightened security alert declared in Jerusalem
Mass presence of security forces expected in capital in wake of holiday weekend events, Ramadan prayers and former chief rabbi's funeral procession
The heightened security alert declared by the defense establishment prior to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is expected to increase further, Ynet has learned.
Sources in the defense establishment said that there are seven specific indications of potential terror attacks over the holiday, as well as dozens of general indications of such possible attacks.
Security forces are expected to especially focus on Jerusalem: The third Friday of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan will see some 4,000 Border Guard officers and police forces patrolling the city streets, the Old City, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, starting in the early hours of Friday morning.
Entry to Temple Mount will be restricted to Israeli ID holders only. Security forces will also allow Palestinian men 45-year-old and over to enter the Temple Mount, providing they have the proper permits.
Palestinian women over the age of 30, carrying the proper permits, will also be allowed on the Temple Mount.
The Jerusalem police also warned of heavy traffic expected in the capital Friday, due to the funeral procession of former Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira, who died earlier Thursday.
Thousands are expected to take part in the funeral procession, causing police to close the streets on its way.
Among the streets that will be closed as the funeral procession proceeds are Shazar Street, Sarei Israel Street, Malkei Israel Street, the Shabbat Square, Strauss Street, Jaffa Road, Tzahal Square, Hativat Yerushalaim Street, Ma'aleh Hashalom Street and Gat Shemanim Street.
