Record Number of Jews Ascended Temple Mount on Tisha b’Av, Ignoring Threats

Piles of rocks were discovered at several locations at the holy complex, apparently in preparation for a riot.

By TPS and United with Israel Staff

Thousands of Jews ascended to the Temple Mount during the morning hours of Sunday during Tisha B’Av, despite threats by Gaza-based terror organizations and attempts by Muslims at the holy site to block them.

Hamas called on Muslims to stream to the Temple Mount and “block the settlers’ storming of the site.”

The Israel Police deployed massive forces in Jerusalem’s Old City ahead of Tisha b’Av, a national day of mourning on which the destruction of the two Temples is commemorated.

Early Sunday morning, after the Muslims’ morning prayers, a number of worshippers threw rocks in the Temple Mount plaza at the police forces, who responded and stopped the incident.

Piles of rocks were discovered at several locations at the holy complex, apparently in preparation for a riot.

Despite the threats, a record number of Jews visited the holy site.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett  thanked the Public Security Minister and the Israel Police Inspector General for “managing the events on the Temple Mount with responsibility and consideration, while maintaining freedom of worship for Jews on the Mount,” his spokesperson stated.

Bennett emphasized that freedom of worship on the Temple Mount will be fully preserved for Muslims as well, who will soon be marking the fast of the Day of Arafah and the Eid al-Adha, the spokesperson added.