Israeli Transportation and Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud), who serves as a member of Israel's Secrity Cabinet, on Friday said that the Cabinet decided to keep magnetometers on the Temple Mount and did not leave the decision up to the police.
"The Temple Mount is in our hands," Katz said, quoting the soldiers who liberated Jerusalem's Old City during the Six Day War. "We will not cede sovereignty. The State of Israel is responsible for preserving law and order on the Temple Mount.""Contrary to reports, the Security Cabinet decided to continue using every security precaution which was begun immediately following the despicable terror attack, including the use of metal detectors. The State of Israel is responsible for implementing this policy."
Earlier on Friday, Israel Police announced that entry to the Old City and the Temple Mount would be closed to men below the age of 50, and that private vehicles would not be allowed to enter the Old City or the nearby Sultan Suleiman Street.
Two IDF combat units from the Judea and Samaria unit are stationed in the area to enforce the decision.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said, "Jerusalem District Police Commander Yoram Halevi's decision to place magnetometers at the entrance to the Temple Mount is a brave and responsible one. Two policemen have already been killed on the Temple Mount. We must ensure such an event does not repeat itself." READ MORE
