BICOM

Government ministers and security officials will meet when the Prime Minister returns from Europe this morning to decide whether to keep or remove the metal detectors placed at the entrance to the Temple Mount. A decision is expected today, ahead of Friday prayers.

The introduction of metal detectors at the main entrance, after last Friday’s deadly attack, has led to four days of violent altercations between Muslim worshippers and police.

Government and security officials held consultations on Wednesday to discuss the situation. Officials from the Shin Bet, IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reportedly expressed reservations about  the continued use of metal detectors at the entrances to the Temple Mount.

The Israel Police and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan have insisted that the metal detectors must remain in place.

A Police statement read: “There’s no other way of ensuring effective inspection to prevent weapons from being brought into the Temple Mount.”

Talks have also been taking place between Israeli and Jordanian diplomats to agree a suitable compromise. One proposal under consideration is to keep the metal detectors in place for an interim period, but to use them only for selected  individuals rather than all persons seeking entry.

Other compromises being considered are for the metal detectors to be operated by international inspectors or to remove the metal detectors and instead install CCTV cameras inside the Temple Mount compound.

The US expressed its concern yesterday, urging Israel and Jordan “to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site”.

The Waqf, the Islamic foundation responsible for administering the Temple Mount, threatened to close the mosques in Jerusalem on Friday and hold a mass prayer service at the gates to the Temple Mount.