Masked Palestinians rioted on the Temple Mount after it was opened to visitors on the eve of Sukkot.
The rioters threw rocks, concrete blocks and firebombs at police at the Mughrabi Gate entrance on Oct. 8. Four policemen were injured and five protesters were arrested, according to Israel Police.
Several protesters holed up in the Al-Aksa mosque and were locked inside by police, according to the Palestinian Ma’an news service. Visits to the Temple Mount continued undisturbed.
The riots followed weeks of rioting and unrest at the Temple Mount and in eastern Jerusalem.
Tension at the Temple Mount was expected this week with the influx of travelers for the Sukkot holiday visiting the site, which is holy to Jews and Muslims.
The police announced on Oct. 7 that they would increase security at the Temple Mount and throughout Jerusalem for the holiday.
The Israeli media has reported that the Ministry of Tourism is exploring a plan to open a second gate for Jews and other non-Muslims to enter the Temple Mount. — jta