[LI] After three Islamic terrorists used weapons hidden at the Al-Aqsa Mosque to kill two Israeli policemen, Israel placed metal detectors at the entrances to the Temple Mount. Just as there are already metal detectors to enter the Western Wall area, the holiest place at which Jews are allowed to pray.
The placement of metal detectors led to a wave of Palestinian violence (including the stabbing death of three Israelis having Sabbath dinner). There were many other threats of holy war against the Jews incited not just by Palestinians, but also by other Muslim leaders around the world.
Under threat of increased violence, and with the Jordanians effectively taking Israeli Embassy staff hostage, Israel capitulated in what appeared to be a deal for the release of Embassy staff in exchange for removing the metal detectors.
As I wrote in Israel capitulates to Palestinian terror, to remove metal detectors at Temple Mount. Israel said it would use other means of monitoring who entered the Temple Mount to prevent weapons smuggling, but Palestinians immediately announced they would not accept any additional security measures. |