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Temple Mount Controversy Brewing
A decision by Israel's highest court has triggered fears of a "third intifada." On Tuesday, the Israel Supreme Court upheld a request by far-right Jewish activists that they be allowed on Thursday to enter Islam's third holiest shrine, the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount. The decision to allow the controversial visit to the east Jerusalem mosque compound was taken despite police warnings that it could spark riots in Israel and the occupied territories. The small Temple Mount Faithul group requested to visit the compound, where according to Jewish tradition Herod's Temple stood, to mark the Jewish day of mourning for its destruction in 70 A.D.
Story Continues Below But despite its controversial decision, the court ordered the group's leader, Gershon Salomon, to stay clear from the area of the Temple Mount or the adjacent Western Wall. The court also ruled that the far-right group, which counts only a few dozen members, should "not be allowed to carry placards or act in a provocative manner." Arab Knesset Member Talab El-Sana warned that the permit will ignite a "third Intifada," Israelnationalnews.com reported. Israeli Arab MP Mohammed Barakeh agreed, telling Agence France-Presse that allowing the activists to enter the compound would lead to a flare-up. "The decision is petrol in the hands of declared pyromaniacs and could lead to further violence," he said. A similar court decision in July 2001 sparked bloody clashes in Jerusalem in which 15 Israeli policemen and 18 Palestinians were wounded.
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