Temple Mount

 JPost - Clashes break out on the Temple Mount, throughout West Bank

The Jerusalem Post reports: "Clashes broke out on the Temple Mount on Wednesday morning, after a night of violent clashes between Palestinians and Arab-Israelis and Israeli security forces throughout the West Bank and Israel, as well as barrages of rockets from Gaza."

Comment: It's been some time since we've seen violence on the Temple Mount on this scale. Long-time prophecy watchers know to keep an eye on the Temple Mount as it figures prominently in the unfolding of Bible prophecy. 

I think it is so obvious from our perspective that there is a spiritual blindness going on in the world that explains how the Palestinians have so much international support. There are millions who will always see the Palestinians as victims and basically they can do no wrong.

We know from Bible prophecy that the entire world will turn against Israel and it is not hard to imagine. There is this delusion that if only Israel would give up more land (more than they have already given) to the Palestinians, then there would be peace. Questions about the Palestinians are not considered. Are their claims legitimate? After having rejected all past peace treaties, why is it Israel's responsibility to come back to the table?  None of these questions matter, the world will say, just give them land.

In the end, Israel will have nowhere to turn but to their own refuge, the God of Israel from the Old Testament. One of the most moving passages in the OT for me is from Ezekiel 38 that shows how God decisively destroys Israel's enemies in an overt way in front of the nations. He saves Israel as a demonstration of sovereign power. I love that, it's a real rebuke to the Israel-haters in the world.

Temple Mount

Seven Muslims arrested, 61 injured amid tensions at Temple Mount - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Officials initially barred non-Muslims from entering Temple Mount, but allowed a group of about 150 Jewish worshipers to enter after a subsequent security assessment. Police said Muslim worshipers began to riot, including throwing chairs and other objects at the Jewish visitors who entered with a police escort, and officers responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets to 'break up the rioters in order to restore public order.'"

Comment: As we know, the Temple Mount is both a political and spiritual flashpoint and we should take note when events take place there. In this case, there was a riot, an emotional and violent reaction by Islamics to the mere presence of Jews on the Temple Mount.  Their own behavior is not respectful of their own "holy place" but no doubt their bad actions will be blamed on Israel.

I commend UPI for using the term "Temple Mount" rather than the politically correct "holy place." Archeologist and historians have validated the existence of the two Jewish temples that predate the present mosque, and so "Temple Mount" remains an accurate description of the site, even if it is not popular with those who seek to minimize or erase the Jewish presence in the land.

Temple Mount

Muslim worshipers, Israeli police clash at Jerusalem's Temple Mount - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Clashes between Muslim worshipers and Israeli security forces broke out on Friday at Jerusalem's Temple Mount, police said. [...] The violence came at the end of Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound and after a parade marking the one-year anniversary of the removal of temporary metal detectors from the holy site. Palestinians regarded the installation of the security measures as a move by Israel to assert control over the site."

Comment: You have to appreciate the twisted logic of the Palestinians, protesting the need for security with acts of violence, because that makes sense. This is a reminder that the Temple Mount remains a flashpoint that could erupt into violence at any time.

Covenant With Many

PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordanian King Abdullah II meet in Ramallah - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordanian King Abdullah II, after a meeting Monday in Ramallah, called for U.S. President Donald Trump to endorse a two-state solution. [...] After a February meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he 'can live with either' a one-state or two-state solution as long as both parties are happy. The U.S. president also asked Israel to 'hold back on settlements' until a peace deal with the Palestinians could be struck."

Comment: Do you remember in history when the great Palestinian King Whatsit united the warring tribes and founded the Palestinian country? His bravery in battle has been celebrated for thousands of years in Palestinian art and culture. Actually, you may  not remember that because it never happened.  It's so strange, all of these decades of conflict over a people and a country that never existed. All because Israel's Arab neighbors decided that they would not repatriate their fellow Arabs after they forcefully rejected the UN mandated creation of TWO states and decided to leave them as pawns to use against Israel. If they rejected the UN plan by force of arms, why do they think it's still on the table? Yet the international community continues to believe that if only Israel would give up more land (and not Jordan, Egypt or Lebanon) to these nice peace-loving Palestinians then all will be well. The Palestinians rule in Gaza right now, is all well in Gaza? Yet more land is the solution. On the other hand, if they do give the Palestinians a state and they continue to fire missiles at Israel (as they do from Gaza) then having defined borders will make it all the easier for Israel to retaliate. Either way, I think the Psalm 83 War is near.

Temple Mount

Muslims end boycott at Jerusalem holy site after security dropped - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Islamic leaders called on followers to return to a key Old Jerusalem holy site -- known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount -- ending a boycott after Israel removed security measures there Thursday."

Comment:  I'm not sure what to make of this. Is it an example of Netanyahu choosing appeasement or showing responsible leadership and compromising?  No more riots, no intifada, that has to be a good thing, right? Still, didn't it seem like some security measures were warranted after that attack? It's a "holy site" after all, they can't allow attackers to use it as a staging area or holdout. I guess what makes sense in other parts of the world may not apply in Jerusalem.

Temple Mount

Reuters - Israel removes Jerusalem metal detectors, Palestinians reject new measures
Reuters reports: "Israel removed metal detectors from entrances to the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in favor of CCTV cameras, hoping to calm days of bloodshed, but Palestinians said the modified security measures were still unacceptable. [...] Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the senior Muslim cleric who oversees Al-Aqsa compound both dismissed the new Israeli measures and demanded all of them be removed."

Comment: Well, there you go, the Palestinians will only be satisfied until all security is removed, allowing the site to once again be a staging area for attacks on Israelis. It's hard to imagine that anyone would find that an acceptable position, but of course, millions of Palestinian apologists will find nothing objectionable with that. The gunmen using the holy site as a staging area and refuge are not the problem, Israel trying to protect people, that is the problem. The real question for us is, will Jordan and Turkey welcome Israel's concession on the metal detectors or will they continue to incite the Arab masses with propaganda? Is the flame going out, or is this conflagration just getting started?

Temple Mount

AP - The Latest: Israel to remove metal detectors from holy site
The AP reports: "Israel’s security cabinet has decided to remove metal detectors set up at the entrance to a Jerusalem holy site which had angered Muslims. It announced early Tuesday that “sophisticated technology” will be used instead of the devices. It did not elaborate on when the metal detectors would be removed or what would replace them. Israeli media earlier reported high resolution cameras capable of detecting hidden objects would be the alternative. It said Israel would boost forces in the area until the plan is implemented. Earlier Associated Press footage showed heavy machinery and workers heading to the entrance of the site. Israel erected the metal detectors after Arab gunmen killed two policemen from inside the shrine, holy to Muslims and Jews, earlier this month. The move incensed the Muslim world and triggered violence."

Israel to remove metal detectors at Al-Aqsa Mosque - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli will remove metal detectors from a holy site in Jerusalem after days of protest from Muslims who were angered by the Israeli military-protected barriers, the government announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet said it agreed to accept the 'the recommendation of all the security bodies to change the inspection with metal detectors to a security inspection based on advanced technologies and other means' at the Al-Aqsa compound, which has been a hot-point of controversy and violence for several days. [...] The metal detectors were installed after three men shot two Jewish Israeli policemen on July 14 near the Lion's Gate."

Comment: It remains to be seen if this is a cave / compromise on Netanyahu's part or if the cameras are a valid replacement that will provide the security they need to prevent future attacks staged from within the compound. It also remains to be seen if this move will de-escalate the tensions that have risen all over the Arab world including in Jordan and Turkey. Stay tuned!

Temple Mount

Yahoo News - Deadly stabbing, clashes as tensions rise over Jerusalem holy site
Yahoo News reports: "Three Israelis were stabbed to death and clashes left three Palestinians killed Friday as tensions rose over new security measures at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site where police restricted access for Muslim prayers. As Israeli and Palestinian leaders faced pressure to respond, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas announced late Friday he was freezing contacts with Israel over the holy site dispute. The unrest came after Israeli ministers decided not to order the removal of metal detectors erected at entrances to the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack nearby a week ago that killed two policemen."

Comment: So, after the attack last week Israel installed metal detectors. This makes sense right, most sensitive sites in the developed world now have security. Do you think that the local Arab population will take this in stride? No, they are rioting. Even though it was Palestinians who caused this problem and a security setup is sensible, they are reacting as if it is Israel that is causing the problem. Typical. But here is the bottom line for us, the Temple Mount is once again becoming a flashpoint and possible source of conflict that can draw in many countries into war with Israel (not because the leaders want to, but because their people want it) and it once again firmly links the Temple Mount (and possible future Temple) as an item that must be addressed in the Mideast peace talks (Covenant with Many).

Temple Mount

Two police officers, three suspects killed in shooting at Jerusalem holy site - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Two police officers were shot and killed Friday as they patrolled the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said. Three suspects, who allegedly opened fire at the officers, were themselves shot dead by police. [...] The entire 37-acre complex, visited by religious adherents and tourists, was closed Friday after the shootings."

Comment: After comments from Palestinian leaders denying a Jewish connection to the Temple Mount (the site of two past Jewish temples), is it any wonder that followers of a notorious religion would kill Jewish police officers on the sacred site? The amazing thing for us to note is how the Temple Mount remains a flash point, frozen in time between a dramatic past and an appointed future.

Temple Mount

Israel rejects mixed-gender prayer at Western Wall - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's government has rejected a plan to allow mixed-gender services at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem. The decision Sunday was condemned by Reform and Conservative Jewish groups worldwide and the Jewish Agency, which one day later canceled a gala event planned for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement Monday, the prime minister's office said a new compromise would be sought."

Comment: When was the last time the Temple Mount was in the news? Well, I suppose that if you live in Israel and depending on the publications you read, the Temple Mount may well be in the news every day. However, for the rest of us, it is rare that events on the Temple Mount break into the major news-of-the-day. Outside of Israel we tend to forget that the Mount remains very controversial and such issues as who can pray there and when they can pray are treated with great political and religious sensitivity and have the potential to erupt into controversy or violence at any moment.  It is the expectation of many observers that the Temple Mount will only increase in importance and controversy as time goes on.

Jerusalem Peace - Covenant With Many

Israel thanks Italy for stance on UNESCO Jerusalem resolution
AFP reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi on Saturday for his stance against a resolution adopted by UNESCO on Jerusalem. The UN cultural agency on Tuesday adopted an Arab-sponsored resolution condemning Israel's actions at a flashpoint holy site in east Jerusalem, deepening anger in the Jewish state. On Friday, Renzi strongly criticised the resolution, saying that Rome -- which had abstained in the vote -- would now oppose it."

Comment: The notion that there's no Jewish connection to the Temple Mount is absurd, so the real story here is not that one European country broke ranks with the UN position, it's that most of them haven't.  Congratulations to Italy for taking a stand for Israel!

Peace of Jerusalem - Temple Mount

Yahoo News - Israel slams UNESCO over 'Occupied Jerusalem'
Yahoo News reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted UNESCO for holding a vote Thursday on 'Occupied Palestine' saying the Paris-based UN cultural body has lost its legitimacy. The resolutions put forward by several Arab countries including Egypt, Lebanon and Algeria, were adopted at committee stage and are to be submitted Tuesday to UNESCO's executive body. Participants said 24 votes were cast in favour and six against with 26 abstentions and two absentees. The resolutions refer to 'Occupied Palestine' and aim to 'safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem', according to a text seen by AFP. [...] The status of Jerusalem is the thorniest issue of the decades-long Palestinian conflict. Israel captured east Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it -- in a move not recognised by the international community -- declaring all of the city its unified capital. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised future state."

Comment: Once again the UN's anti-Israel bias is evident for all to see. To deny the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount flies in the face of history, archeology and culture. That they couldn't even use the term "Temple Mount" is an example of the extreme political agenda at work. As for east Jerusalem, in all of human history when a country or kingdom wins territory in war then it's settled. That's why they fight wars, to settle territorial claims. This concept is apparently not applied to Israel even though they won the territory fair and square, somehow it's still "contested" and "claimed" by the Palestinians. There's nothing to say that Israel couldn't give it to the Palestinians in a final peace agreement, but until they do, the territory belongs to Israel. Not that the UN will ever recognize that.

Temple Mount

Temple Mount cameras will be installed before Passover - Arutz Sheva
Israel National News reports: "Israel and Jordan agreed that cameras will be installed on Temple Mount before the holiday of Passover, Israel Hayom reports. A senior diplomatic source said that the move will be a 'Significant form of supervising and maintaining order on Temple Mount.' According to the deal between Israel and Jordan, the cameras will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both sides will be able to access the broadcast and watch what is being recorded."

Comment: I'm not optimistic that an agreement to install, monitor and share the cameras will actually be reached in time for Passover. Still, I can't ignore the obvious prophetic implications if someday they do have constant surveillance of the Temple Mount with the video broadcast live on the internet. 

Temple Mount

The Times of Israel - Disputes delay video surveillance at Temple Mount

The Times of Israel reports: "Video surveillance of Jerusalem’s holiest site was meant to be a quick fix to lower tensions that have driven months of Israeli-Palestinian violence, but disputes over who controls the footage and what the cameras may or may not film are holding up the project. Underlying the seemingly technical arguments is a fundamental disagreement over who is in charge of the 37-acre Temple Mount, which is central to the competing national and religious narratives of Israelis and Palestinians, Muslims and Jews.[....]  Azzam Khatib, in charge of Jordanian-run Muslim endowment, or Waqf, which is in charge of the mosque compound, said the surveillance cameras should be managed by Muslim authorities 'without interference from the Israelis.' 'As the king has said, there will be a control room for the cameras under the sole responsibility of the Waqf, and the images will be broadcast to the world through the Internet around the clock,' said Khatib, a Palestinian."

Peace and Security of Jerusalem - Covenant With Many

My Way News - Surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence ahead of Kerry visit
My Way News reports: "A Palestinian fatally stabbed an Israeli soldier at a West Bank gas station Monday before he was killed by security forces as two Palestinian teenage girls in Jerusalem attacked a 70-year-old Palestinian, apparently mistaking him for an Israeli, in a new rash of attacks on the eve of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the region to try and calm two months of deadly violence. [...] Monday's attacks are the latest in a wave of violence that began in mid-September over tensions surrounding a sensitive Jerusalem holy site [this is the PC term the reporters use when they refer to the Temple Mount...Ed.] and quickly spread across Israel and into the West Bank and Gaza Strip."

Temple Mount - Peace and Security of Jerusalem - Persia

My Way News - Iran's Guard simulates capture of Al-Aqsa Mosque
My Way News reports: "Paramilitary forces from Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard have held a war game simulating the capture of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque from Israeli control, state media reported Saturday. [...] The hilltop compound, which is holy to Jews and Muslims, has been at the heart of weeks of unrest between Israel and the Palestinians. Muslims call the site the Noble Sanctuary, and the mosque is Islam's third holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Jews revere the spot as the Temple Mount — home to the biblical Temples and the holiest site in Judaism [...] Iran does not recognize Israel, has called for its destruction and supports anti-Israel militants across the Middle East."

Peace of Jerusalem - Temple Mount

My Way News - Palestinian attacks in Tel Aviv, West Bank leave 5 dead
My Way News reports: "A pair of stabbing and shooting attacks carried out by Palestinians killed three Israelis, a Palestinian and an American teenager on Thursday in one of the deadliest days in a recent outburst of Israeli-Palestinian violence. The attacks are part of a wave of violence that erupted in mid-September over tensions surrounding a Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews and Muslims."

Temple Mount - Covenant With Many

My Way News - Jordan: No cameras inside mosques at Jerusalem holy site
My Way News reports: "The interiors of two mosques at a sensitive Jerusalem holy site will be exempt from monitoring by security cameras, Jordan's king said in an apparent attempt to allay Palestinian concerns about his plan to install the cameras at the sprawling hilltop compound. The 37-acre (15 -hectare) site has been at the heart of the current round of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Jordan, the custodian of the site, last month proposed camera monitoring in efforts to defuse tensions. Israel welcomed the plan but the idea was met by Palestinian criticism."

Comment: It will be interesting to see if this is enough to overcome Palestinian objections. The interesting thing to note is how they are acting as if the Palestinians have the final word. From what I've read, final administrative control rests with Jordan. Of course, given recent Palestinian behavior, their ability to act out and act up may give them a de facto veto. Isn't it odd that the site is the absolute holiest site to Israel but only the third holiest site to followers of Islam, and yet they act as if it's the most important thing to them. Some perspective is needed. I know, we are talking about the reality distortion field that covers all of the holy land, so no, perspective is the one thing they will never have.

Temple Mount

My Way News - Jewish activists step up activities at sensitive holy site
My Way News reports: "A new Israeli proclamation to uphold a ban on Jewish prayer at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site should have dealt a sobering blow to the die-hard activists who have spent years fighting for the right to worship at the spot, which is sacred to Muslims as well as Jews. Instead, it has only emboldened them. [...] There are about 27 Jewish organizations dedicated to boosting Jewish visits to the site, according to the United Temple Mount Movement, an umbrella group representing them. These include groups of students, ultra-Orthodox Jews, women and one that has fashioned a golden menorah and other accouterments for use in a future temple.'

Temple Mount - Covenant with Many

My Way News - Kerry: Video monitoring to ease Jerusalem holy site tensions
My Way News reports: "Looking to reduce tensions at a Jerusalem holy site that set off weeks of Mideast violence, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced Saturday that Israel and Jordan had agreed on steps, including round-the-clock video monitoring, to bring an end to the unrest. [...] Kerry said the understandings included Israel fully respecting Jordan's 'special role' as custodian of the site, its continued enforcement of religious worship at the site in which Muslims pray there and non-Muslims visit and its commitment not to divide the site and to reject any attempt to suggest otherwise."

Comment: I can't help think that establishing 24/7 monitoring on the Temple Mount is an amazing and watershed event in light of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11.