Israel on high alert over clashes in east Jerusalem
Tensions in the West Bank and in the east Jerusalem Shuafat refugee camp are quickly spreading to many other locations, with violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops.
After a stormy night, Israel’s security agencies now prepare for more clashes in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. This morning was relatively quiet in east Jerusalem, but Israel fears this is only temporary. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said this morning that it has put Border Police reservists on alert, and could call them in soon if the security situation keeps escalating. Ten reservist companies were notified that their people could be summoned for army service in the coming days. This afternoon, Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev ordered an immediate mobilization of four Israel Border Police companies, which should assist the police forces operating in east Jerusalem.
Riots are taking place on the backdrop of the Jewish Sukkoth holiday, when thousands of Israeli Jews traditionally visit Jerusalem and pray at the Western Wall.
