Israel under pressure over Jerusalem violence
ALTERNATIVES SOUGHT Officials say metal detectors will help prevent attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced mounting pressure on Sunday over new security measures at a sensitive Jerusalem holy site after a weekend of violence left eight people dead, with fears more unrest could follow.
Israeli officials signalled they may be open to changing the measures after metal detectors at entrances following an attack that killed two policemen stoked Palestinian anger.
Palestinians reject the metal detectors because they view the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.
Metal detectors remained in place on Sunday, though cameras had also been mounted near at least one entrance to the compound in Jerusalem’s Old City -- a possible indication of an alternative measures.
Israeli Maj Gen Yoav Mordechai —head of the defence ministry agency responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories — signalled changes to the policy were possible.
“We are examining other options and alternatives that will ensure security,” Mordechai said in an interview with Al-Jazeera.
Public security minister Gilad Erdan said he would continue to support the metal detectors unless police provide a satisfactory alternative.
The UN Security Council will hold closed-door talks on Monday about the spiralling violence after Egypt, France and Sweden sought a meeting to “urgently discuss how calls for de-escalation in Jerusalem can be supported”.