Record number of Jews visit Temple Mount on Rosh Hashana, Arabs riot for 3rd straight day

By TPS

Throughout the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which was celebrated from Sunday evening until Tuesday sunset, Israel Police operated around the country with increased numbers in order to maintain peace and public safety.

In Jerusalem, the police provided security for an estimated 1,000 Jewish worshipers – a record number – who ascended the Temple Mount in the Old City, while maintaining freedom of worship of all religions

Israel security forces acted over the holiday against violent disturbances on the Temple Mount area, including attacks on policemen. Some rioters barricaded themselves inside the mosques there.

Officers also acted against disturbances and violent riots in eastern Jerusalem, which included throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks, shooting fireworks at police, and setting trash cans on fire.

There were no casualties reported to Israeli security forces.

During the holiday, police officers arrested 16 people on suspicion of disturbances, violent riots and incitement.

Police Commissioner Shabtai toured the Old City Tuesday, where he met with the police and received an overview of deployments from the district commander, Superintendent Doron Turgeman.

“We are at the peak of increased activity throughout the country, including Jerusalem and the Old City, to allow the citizens of Israel to celebrate safely,” said the commissioner. “The high alert will continue throughout the entire [Hebrew month of] Tishrei holidays.”