Last week three Islamic terrorists ambushed and murdered two Druze-Israeli police officers on the Temple Mount, where they were protecting the Al-Aqsa mosque. In response, Israel put up metal detectors to ensure weapons weren't being brought onto the Temple Mount for further attacks. Metal detectors are used for security in Mecca and Medina, two of Islam's holiest sites.
Palestinians responded to the new security measures with extreme rioting in East Jerusalem Friday. Hundreds have been injured and many have been killed after attempting to attack Israeli security forces.
WATCH: Thousands of Arabs riot on the streets of Jerusalem protesting Temple Mount metal detectors. pic.twitter.com/SiPBuxWotd
— Israel News Feed (@IsraelHatzolah) July 21, 2017
TEMPLE MOUNT TENSION:
— Israel News Feed (@IsraelHatzolah) July 21, 2017
•2 Arab terrorists shot dead
•193 wounded
•4 officers wounded
•Many arrests
•Riots ongoing
•Jerusalem/WB
•Gaza border. pic.twitter.com/oFX2hRMrBh
PHOTOS: Israeli police prevented buses carrying Muslim worshipers from entering Jerusalem in an effort to prevent Temple Mt tension today. pic.twitter.com/ZUFYFHGkcG
— Israel News Feed (@IsraelHatzolah) July 21, 2017
RIOTS IN JERUSALEM:
— Israel News Feed (@IsraelHatzolah) July 20, 2017
•5 officers wounded
•42 Palestinian wounded
•2 seriously
•Mass reinforcements sent to Jerusalem pic.twitter.com/Wjvaq2wD0n
The White House released a statement earlier this week about the developing situation.
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"The United States is very concerned about tensions surrounding the Temple Mount/Haram Al-Sharif, a site holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and calls upon the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo. The United States will continue to closely monitor the developments," the statement said.
After the attack, the White House called for calm. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' political party, Fatah, organized Friday's "day of rage."
"Yesterday, the Holy City of Jerusalem – which means “City of Peace” – became a scene of terror. The people of the United States are heartbroken that terrorists brutally gunned down two Israeli police officers, and we extend our prayers and sympathies to the families of the victims. The United States strongly condemns the terror attack.
There must be zero tolerance for terrorism. It is incompatible with achieving peace and we must condemn it in the strongest terms, defeat it, and eradicate it," the statement last week read.
"The attack forced the government of Israel to temporarily close the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif to conduct its investigation. Israel has assured the world that it has no intention to alter the status of this holy site, a decision which the United States applauds and welcomes. We urge all leaders and people of good faith to be understanding as this process proceeds and reaches its conclusion," it continued.
All IDF units are all call for the weekend.
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