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Police chief insists he won’t permit Knesset members on Temple Mount

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Israel Police Chief Yohanan Danino said yesterday that Knesset members should not be permitted to visit the Temple Mount as it could inflame Muslim sensibilities and consequently endanger public safety.

The Temple Mount, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims has been a focal point for violence in Jerusalem during the past few weeks, including an assassination attempt on activist Rabbi Yehuda Glick. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli leaders have repeatedly reiterated that they have no intention of altering the status quo which has existed since 1967, by which Jews are permitted to visit the site in small groups, but not allowed to pray there. However, during the past several weeks, several right-wing Knesset members who support altering the arrangement have visited the Temple Mount, including Likud MKs Moshe Feiglin and Tzipi Hotovely and Jewish Home MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli.

Yesterday, Danino said that these MKs seek to “provoke and make remarks about changing the law on the Temple Mount, which is exploited by [Muslim] extremists as a sign of a changing status quo.” As a result, he explained that visits “even by MKs — can endanger public safety and security” and he “does not intend to allow it.” Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein ruled earlier this month in favour of MK Feiglin visiting the Temple Mount, a decision criticised by Danino, who said that, “Anyone who wants to change the status quo on the Temple Mount should not be allowed up there.”

In response, Feiglin said via social media, “Danino failed to protect Jerusalem and ensure the security of the citizens, and is now trying to find a scapegoat and excuses for his failure.” Meanwhile, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein complained to Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch over Danino’s comments. According to the NRG website, Edelstein said “These [statements] are grave and inappropriate coming from a police commissioner about elected public officials,” and that it is “unacceptable” to “question the freedom of movement of Knesset members.”