Mako reported that following Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir's, decision to close off the Temple Mount to Israeli Arabs 50 years and younger over Ramadan out of fear that Hamas leaders would incite to violence, top police officials are now saying that this could lead to a flare-up in Jerusalem and elsewhere.
The officials emphasized that it is precisely the calm in Arab society since the beginning of the war in Gaza that obliges decision makers to refrain from imposing restrictions on Muslim citizens of Israel. At the same time, the "Abraham Initiatives" organization sent a letter to the police commissioner in which he warned that "a flare-up could break out."
According to the "Abraham Initiatives", violence could occur due to "irresponsible conduct of police officers who will be stationed in the Old City of Jerusalem and at the entrances to the Temple Mount." In a letter to the Commissioner, the directors of the organization wrote that since the beginning of the war, police have greatly reduced the possibility of Muslim Israeli citizens entering the Temple Mount and praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque.
They also requested from the police command that clear instructions be transmitted to all officers operating in Jerusalem during Ramadan, including instructions regarding the maintenance of freedom of worship, a demand to avoid humiliating behavior towards Muslims, and calming the spirits so that the fast days can be observed appropriately.
