Senior Israel Police officials feel that Members of Knesset visiting Har Habayis inflame the situation in Israel as well as straining Israeli relations with Jordan. Police remain opposed of changing the status quo, including increasing requests by Jews to daven on Har Habayis. Police feel this is responsible in more than a small way in the ongoing increase in Arab violence and attacks.

Police blame the recent increased efforts by lawmakers and others to permit Jewish tefilos on the holy site for the sharp increase in Arab violence in the capital. Those supporting freedom of religion for Jews on Har Habayis reject the claim, stating it is just a convenient excuse for the Arabs to engage in violence.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)