A joint operation executed on Saturday night in east Jerusalem by Israeli Security Forces resulted in clashes on the Temple Mount Sunday morning, according to reports released by the Police Spokespersons unit.Times of Israel adds:
In the late hours of Saturday evening, security forces conducted an operation searching for explosives thought to be hidden in east Jerusalem. Information gathered by the Shin Bet and police forces showed that several masked, Arab youths, who had escaped to the Temple Mount, were identified as the suspects.
Once the operation began, the suspects fled to al-Aksa mosque, setting up numerous road blocks using iron rods and wooden beams to avoid arrest and prevent the Temple Mount compound from being opened to visitors the next day.
As the situation unfolded, Israeli forces stormed the Temple Mount compound in a surprise attack early Sunday morning. The suspects responded by throwing dozens of rocks and setting off fireworks at the police forces.
After fierce clashes, police forces removed the barricades leading to the mosque and arrested the suspects. No injuries were reported and Jewish visitors and tourists we allowed to enter the Temple Mount as scheduled.
“Masked protesters who were inside the mosque threw stones and fireworks at police,” a police statement said. “Suspicious pipes that could be filled with homemade explosives were also found at the entry to the mosque.”Here is video showing masked Arabs shooting firecrackers from within their "third holiest site."
Police later confirmed that the objects were pipe bombs.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the discovery of pipe bombs at the al-Aqsa mosque “forces us to reconsider the arrangements for the Temple Mount.”
Naturally, there will be statements today from the Muslim world condemning Jews for defending themselves.