Muslims Seek to Thwart attempts to Beef Up Temple Mount Security

In the aftermath of Friday’s terrorist attack on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount – known to Islam as Haram Al-Sharif – that left two Israeli policemen dead, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is fighting an uphill battle to beef up the level of security in the area starting with metal detectors. Although the idea is not new, the Israelis have held-off installing the detectors and cameras in respect of the sensitivities of the Muslim population and Muslim Trust – the Waqf – which administers Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem at the invitation of Israel. But with all signs pointing to an increase in violence, Netanyahu is moving ahead with the metal detectors and plans to install cameras on the pillars outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. On Sunday, the Waqf called on Muslims to protest by not entering through the metal detectors and instead, to hold a mass prayer session on the outside of the machines. Nevertheless, large numbers of Muslims finally entered through the metal detectors on Sunday. Jews were not allowed to visit Judaism’s holiest site, but were permitted to resume visits on Monday. Non-Muslims are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount under threat of arrest.