Israel: Removed metalligators From the Holy Place

Israel has decided to remove metal detectors from the holy place in Jerusalem and has made it known that it will use easier monitoring measures.

As the prime minister's cabinet, Benjamin Netanyah, announced, the decision was passed in the early hours of Tuesday. Tensions in the holy place, known as the Mountain Temple for Jews and Haram al Sharif by Muslims, rose after two Israeli policemen were killed on 14 July. In a statement distributed by Prime Minister Netanyahu's office, the security cabinet reportedly accepted the recommendation that all physical controls be changed from metalsbuling inspection to another based on more advanced technologies. About $28m has been earmarked to spend on new equipment and to increase the presence of police officers.

Israeli authorities had declared that metalbulers were needed because aggressors managed to enter armed inside the holy place, but their decision triggered protests. Last Friday, three Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli security forces as thousands protested in eastern Jerusalem and the conquered West Coast area.