Police Commissioner Dudi Cohen accused the Islamic Movement of fanning the flames of hatred that fueled the violence on the Temple Mount Sunday morning, and vowed a "tough response."
Cohen told journalists at a news conference held at the site mid-morning Sunday that he had ordered police to act harshly against the Arab rioters who had hurled rocks and bottles. Three policemen were injured in the violence.
"I call upon the Waqf to help maintain peace and quiet in the area," said Cohen. "Israel Police will have a tough response for anyone who disturbs public order on the Temple Mount... The site will remain closed for at least another hour, after which we will re-assess the situation."
The police commissioner accused the Islamic Movement of incitement, pointing out that the organization had brought in "large groups of Israeli Arabs" from outside the area to "defend" the site from alleged conquest by right-wing Jews. He also noted that some 100 adults and youths were still barricaded in one of the mosques on the Temple Mount. Police officers were still deployed around the structure.
Three police officers had been lightly wounded earlier in the morning after being hit by rocks hurled at them by the mob of rioting Arabs. The violence, which began at approximately 7:00 a.m., continued sporadically throughout the morning and then spread to other areas in the Old City of Jerusalem. Police have been deployed throughout the area, and Magen David Adom emergency medical services have increased the number of rescue vehicles available in the city.
The Temple Mount has been closed to both Jews and Arabs. The Western Wall plaza remains open as usual.