(VIDEOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Israel Police Chief Roni Alsheich arrived at the Kosel Plaza on Thursday afternoon, 4 Av to deliver a media statement on the situation on Har Habayis following a week of tension. While Alsheich was able to speak with reporters, at some point, right-wing activists including attorney Itamar Ben-Givir and former MK Dr. Michael Ben-Ari began heckling him with shouts of “coward” and “you capitulated”, referring to Israel’s removal of metal detectors from Har Habayis this week.

The hecklers accused Alsheich of surrendering to Islamic violence but he continued speaking, explaining Har Habayis is open to all wishing to pray there.

Gedolei Yisrael over the generations and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel prohibit visiting Har Habayis, which they explain carries the punishment of karess.

The third video shows the Arab response earlier this week when the metal detectors were removed and they celebrated yet another victory against Israel on Har Habayis. Shouts of Ala Akbar (God is great) are heard from the crowd.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)