The others were convinced to abandon their plans after police officials explained to them the security dangers inherent in such a visit. Chazan, however, said he was not convinced and that he insisted on actualizing Israel's sovereignty on the Mount.



In general, non-Moslems have not been permitted to visit the site as of last week, by police order, but MK Chazan said that his parliamentary immunity grants him the right to visit the area. The police did not agree, and did not allow him to enter the Temple Mount. Members of the Temple Mount Faithful stood nearby, encouraging Chazan in his efforts.

Chazan went to pray at the Western Wall, and afterwards tried to ascend once again. This time, it was the commander of the Old City police station who was waiting for him and did not allow him to enter. "It's a disgrace for the State," Chazan said, "that its elected officials cannot actualize the State's sovereignty on the Temple Mount." He accused the police of being motivated by "foreign considerations" - a reference to threats by Yasser Arafat if Jews visit their most holy site.