Israel Removes Metal Detectors at Jerusalem Holy Site Dismantling of devices comes amid flurry of diplomacy by U.S. and Western officials after a weekend of violence By Rory Jones
https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-removes-metal-detectors-at-jerusalem-holy-site-1500970258
TEL AVIV—Israel on Tuesday began removing metal detectors from one of Jerusalem’s holiest sites, aiming to defuse tensions after their installation triggered widespread anger and protests among Palestinians and across the wider Arab world.
The detectors were installed earlier this month after Arab gunmen shot dead two Israeli policeman at the site known to Jews as the Temple Mount compound and Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. Their dismantling comes amid a flurry of diplomacy by U.S. and Western officials after a weekend of violence left three Israelis and at least three Palestinians dead.
Israel said it would replace the detectors with sophisticated technology. The plan will be implemented in the coming months and include greater police presence around the entrance to the central Jerusalem site.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the dismantling would satisfy Waqf, the Jordanian authority that administers the site and which called on Muslims to pray outside the compound in protest until the detectors were removed.
Israel on Sunday also installed cameras at the site, a move that was rejected by the religious body.
The Temple Mount plaza in Jerusalem’s Old City is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. It is home to the Al Aqsa mosque and the site of an ancient Jewish temple whose Western Wall is still visible and holy for Jews.
Only Muslims are allowed to pray on the plaza, but Jewish groups have been lobbying for that right. Jews can visit, but aren’t permitted to pray.
Some Muslims claim that Israel is attempting to control the site with the detectors, a charge that Israel denies. It has said the detectors and cameras are a security measure.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the installation of the cameras and said he would cut ties with Israel until they’re removed, although his office hasn’t detailed the specifics of the suspension. A spokesperson for the authority wasn’t immediately available to comment on the removal of the detectors. CONTINUE AT SITE
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