Border Police officers wounded as unrest rages in Jerusalem

Three Border Police officers were wounded on Friday afternoon in violent clashes with Arab rioters in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber. The border policemen were wounded when a firebomb was hurled at the patrol vehicle they were sitting in. Eight rioters were arrested.

Violent disturbances, including rock-throwing and firebombings, continued in a number of Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem into Friday night. Another border policeman was wounded by a rock in once of these disturbances.


Credit: Reuters

Jerusalem District Police Chief Moshe Edri praised members of Israel's security forces for their actions. "Time and time again, they prove their dedication to their mission, risking their lives to protect the security of Jerusalem residents."

Border Police Commander Amos Yaakov visited the wounded officers in the hospital on Saturday.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said the Border Police represented a "human shield protecting the city's Jewish neighborhoods."

"I commend the officers for their courage and wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded," Barkat said. The mayor vowed that Arab rioters would be brought to justice.

Security was bolstered in Jerusalem on Friday morning ahead of the weekly prayers on the Temple Mount, but the prayers ended without incident. Entry to the Temple Mount was limited to Muslim worshippers aged 40 and over.

"The Israel Police have heightened security in and around Jerusalem and the Old City in order to prevent and respond to any incidents that could take place," said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, adding that undercover units had been deployed.

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the call-up of Border Police reserves in Jerusalem if needed.

Rocks were thrown on Friday at border policemen near the Old City's Nablus Gate, as well as at the Qalandiya crossing north of Jerusalem.

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