High alert on Yom Kippur for fear of riots

Security forces reinforce deployment in northern Israel and Jerusalem for fear of clashes with Tuba Zangaria residents, possible riots in Temple Mount. Magen David Adom raises alert to highest level; volunteers to guard synagogues

Yair Altman|Published: 10.07.11 , 00:01

Security and rescue forces are on high alert ahead of Yom Kippur with reinforced deployment in sensitive areas. The Magen David Adom emergency services have raised their alert to the highest level, while police are gearing up for possible riots mainly in the north following the arson of a mosque in Tuba Zangaria. Riots are also feared in the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem around Friday prayers.

The IDF will impose full closure on the West Bank which will be lifted on Saturday at midnight. Passage will only be approved in medical, humanitarian and unusual cases and subject to the Civil Administration's approval.

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Police will restrict entry to the Temple Mount to men over the age of 45 following intelligence indicating plans to start riots. Meanwhile, police and Border Guard forces will be deployed in Jerusalem to maintain order. Officers will also guard the Western Wall from Friday afternoon until the end of Kippur.

Guarding Temple Mount (Archive photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

The Coastal District will see reinforced deployment in integrated cities and on the Wadi Ara road. Volunteer forces will guard synagogues during prayer time.

Forces will also be deployed in the Northern District, mainly in sensitive cities such as Safed, Tiberias and Nazereth Illit. Police will be present around the village of Tuba Zangaria, where a mosque was torched earlier this week, for fear of protests.

Magen David Adom on highest alert level (Photo: Yaron Brener)

Police will also guard synagogues, and Muslim and Christian places of worship in the district. Forces will also work to prevent the hurling of stones along Route 85. Police presence will also be felt in the Cave of Patriarchs and cemeteries.

The Magen David Adom will be on high alert with volunteers ready with motorcycles and equipment. In synagogues, on-call volunteers will be at hand with medical equipment for cases of dehydration.