Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JERUSALEM3357
2006-08-02 14:54:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:  

ISRAELI POLICE PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE CLASHES IN

Tags:  PREL KPAL KWBG PHUM IS 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0007
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJM #3357 2141454
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 021454Z AUG 06
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3944
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 003357 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WATERS, PASS TO
DS/IP/NEA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/02/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAL KWBG PHUM IS
SUBJECT: ISRAELI POLICE PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE CLASHES IN
JERUSALEM

REF: JERUSALEM 03316

Classified By: Consul Gneral Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 003357

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WATERS, PASS TO
DS/IP/NEA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/02/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAL KWBG PHUM IS
SUBJECT: ISRAELI POLICE PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE CLASHES IN
JERUSALEM

REF: JERUSALEM 03316

Classified By: Consul Gneral Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).


1. (C) Israeli police in Jerusalem are preparing for
possible confrontations with Jewish and Muslim protesters on
August 3 in the wake of the August 2 Israeli High Court
decision to allow members of the Temple Mount Faithful (TMF)
to enter the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount (reftel).
Visitation of non-Muslims to the site is restricted to the
hours of 0730-1030. The court ruling will enable TMF members
to visit the site; however, ConGen contacts in the Israeli
police indicate that the Israeli security services have the
authority to restrict access to the site to limit the
possibility of violence.


2. (C) Islamic organizations have announced plans to
converge on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on August 3 in
order to "defend the Haram." The Islamic organizations have
reportedly organized busloads of supporters to travel to
Jerusalem on August 3 in an attempt to enter the site. The
Fatah Central Committee released a statement August 2 calling
on all Muslims to protest the court decision. The statement
also held the Government of Israel responsible for any
consequences stemming from the ruling. (Note: The IDF had
previously announced the total closure of the West Bank for
the remainder of the week, a move that will prevent West Bank
Palestinian residents from entering Jerusalem. End note.)
The police are expected to have 2,500 officers in and around
the Old City to handle any disturbances.


3. (C) Adnan Husseini, the head administrator of the
Jerusalem Waqf responsible for the Haram al-Sharif/Temple
Mount, told ConGen Poloff August 2 that he preferred that the
Mughrabi entrance to the site -- the lone entrance for
non-Muslims to enter the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount --
remain closed on August 3 to prevent entry by the TMF and
their supporters. Husseini described the situation as "very
sensitive," and warned that the group's entry onto the site
could spark a reaction from Muslims. Husseini noted that the
police have previously handled the situation well, but
expressed concern that the police may come under "political
pressure" to allow the TMF to enter the site.

Comment
--------------


4. (C) In light of the potential for violent clashes
between the Israeli police and Jewish and Muslim
demonstrators, Post has restricted access to the Old City and
its environs until August 5.

WALLES