Israel ends West Bank closure, but remains on alert in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - Israel rescinded Wednesday morning a five-day closure imposed on the West Bank, but police and special forces remained deployed in Jerusalem's streets in anticipation of continued rioting near the Noble Sanctuary / Temple Mount compound. An Israeli military spokesman said the closure had been due to be removed at midnight Tuesday, and a "situation assessment" allowed the lifting of it to go ahead.

The decision to lift the closure came after a Palestinian "day of rage" sparked by the reopening in the Old City of Jerusalem of an historic synagogue.

Palestinian groups urged their supporters to take to the streets, following a rumor that Jews intended to proceed from the synagogue to the Noble Sanctuary compound, 400 meters away, to begin preparations for the "Third Temple."

The compound is holy to both Jews and Muslims and is a frequent Jerusalem flashpoint. Following the destruction of the Second Temple at the site in 70 AD, desire to see the construction of a further sanctuary there has formed a central part of Jewish tradition.

Muslims believe the Noble Sanctuary site marks the spot from where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/314471,israel-ends-west-bank-closure-but-remains-on-alert-in-jerusalem.html.