[VIDEOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

According to an Arab media report, a Jewish man was placed under arrest on Wednesday morning 17 Tishrei, the second day of chol hamoed Sukkos, as he tried to enter al-Aqsa Mosque on Har Habayis as seen in the video below.

Elsewhere on Har Habayis, Honenu attorney Itamar Ben-Givir reports that two Jews were arrested on Wednesday morning after showing visitors how Birkas Kohanim is done as the kohanim were heard down below at the Kosel.

Ben-Givir reports that over 400 Jews arrived to visit Har Habayis and they were compelled to wait for a prolonged period of time before being permitted entry.

Ben-Givir was also detained for a period of time for saying “Am Yisrael Chai”. Police explained to him that the words are inflammatory and may lead to Islamic violence on Har Habayis. Ben-Givir decried the detention, which he stated was illegal. Ben-Givir explained that he shouted “Am Yisrael Chai” after the Arabs shouted “Ala Akbar” and there is no difference.

It is added that Gedolei Yisrael throughout the generations have ruled one may not visit Har Habayis. This is the ruling of Gedolei Yisrael today as well, in addition to being the position of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Ben-Givir shouting Am Yisrael Chai:

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)