Israel Sees Push Back After Installing Security Measures at Religious Site

UPDATE: Israel Embassy Shooting in Jordan Deepens Uncertainties about Security at Temple Mount

Israel began implementing new security measures at entrances of one of the most holy sites in Jerusalem.

[UPDATE: July 25, 2017 8:00 a.m.]

An Israeli embassy security guard fatally shot two Jordanians in Amman Sunday after one of them reportedly attacked him with a screwdriver.

The incident prompted concerns that the increased security measures at Temple Mount might exacerbate tensions between the neighboring states.

The incident did not seems as if it is in direct relation to the placement of metal detectors at the entrances of one of the most holy sites in Israel, but many believe the incident could spark even more protests from those that believe the additional security is unnecessary.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets against the Israeli policies at the shrine motivating security officials to look into a compromise that would keep the temple secure but also let those who wish to worship inside at peace with the amount of security.

Security officials hinted that a solution is in the works, and will be revealed in time.

Original story posted below.

Following recent events in the country and around the world, Israeli authorities have decided to implement security measures, including checkpoints and metal detectors, at entrances to one of Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy sites.

The call for security began after three gunman killed two police officers at the sacred al-Aqsa Mosque compound just last week. The perpetrators, Palestinian Muslims with Israeli citizenship, were caught on police cameras shooting two police officers before darting off. Security forces tracked down the assailants and they were shot dead by security forces.

Immediately after the incident, Israeli police closed the mosque and prevented worshipers from entering the compound for the first time since 1967 in order to install the new security measures.

In an interview on Israel Army Radio on Sunday, Maj. Gen. Yoram Halevy, the Jerusalem District police commander, said knives, slingshots, batons, spikes and unexploded ordnance were found during a police sweep of the area after the two policemen were shot. Israeli police said the measures were necessary to secure the site and ensure there were no other weapons present while people come to worship.

The move was widely criticized by many in the Muslim world, who view the ramped-up security as an attempt to change the precious status quo at the site. Though the mosque reopened on Sunday afternoon, many boycotted, saying they would not be back until the security measures are taken down, something the Israeli police say they are not comfortable with.

Featured

  • Work Anywhere, Secure Everywhere: 2025 Tech Predictions

    Five years after the pandemic, organizations need a flexible work reset to stay productive and support any work arrangement. Despite the pandemic-fueled workplace shift that began five years ago, companies across industries and geographies continue to increase flexible work configurations. However, many tools adopted during COVID onset remain in place today, and they now need a reset to keep employees productive and secure regardless of location. Security leaders must re-evaluate existing practices and reinvest in zero trust security, passwordless environments, and automation adoption to improve efficiency and productivity. Read Now

  • Guiding Principles

    Construction sites represent a unique sector of perimeter security, especially amidst a steady increase in commercial construction. As in any security environment, assessing weaknesses and threats remains paramount and modern technology, coupled with sound access control principles, are critical in addressing vulnerabilities at even the most secure construction sites around the world. Read Now

  • Empowering 911

    In the wake of the tragic murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, media coverage flooded the airwaves with images, videos and detailed timelines of the suspect’s movements. While such post-incident analysis is not new, today’s 911 centers now have access to similar data in real-time. This technological evolution marks a pivotal transformation in emergency response, transitioning from analog calls to a digital ecosystem capable of saving more lives. Read Now

  • Security Industry Embraces Mobile Credentials, Biometrics and AI, New Trends Report From HID Finds

    As organizations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, security leaders are making strategic shifts toward unified platforms and emerging technologies, according to the newly released 2025 State of Security and Identity Report from HID. The comprehensive study gathered responses from 1,800 partners, end users, and security and IT personnel worldwide, and reveals a significant transformation in how businesses are approaching security, with mobile credentials and artificial intelligence emerging as key drivers of innovation. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.