Israeli authorities anticipate Palestinian rioting during the second Friday after the US’ announcement recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
By: World Israel News Staff
The IDF and Israeli police forces braced for another round of Palestinian violence as the second week comes to a close following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and plans to move its embassy there.
While Arab leaders initially called for “three days of rage,” following Trump’s announcement last week, the Palestinian response fell far short of expectations. Notwithstanding this reality, scores of Palestinians were arrested for rioting and other forms of illegal protest, which included rock-throwing throughout Judea and Samaria and a stabbing attack in Jerusalem.
Since Trump’s announcement, 67 people have been arrested for crimes related to rioting, with 37 arrests in East Jerusalem neighborhoods such as A-Tur, Shuafat, and Wadi Joz over the past two days alone. An additional 30 detainees were arrested over the course of the riots, according to the police.
Traditionally, Friday has marked a tense time during periods of heightened Palestinian incitement to terror, as weekly sermons in mosques have been used to incite violent outbursts against Israeli civilians and the IDF.
In response to the potential for more terror attacks this Friday, border police instituted various security measures in Jerusalem, and specifically the Old City, according to a police spokesman.
In addition, hundreds of additional IDF soldiers were scheduled for deployment in Judea and Samaria and on the Gaza border to address potential violence following Friday noon-time prayers.
Notably, the authorities did not, however, limit access to the Temple Mount for Friday prayers at the mosque there, or restrict worshipers based on age.