Israeli police decided Thursday to allow Knesset members to enter the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound next week as a “trial” to see whether such visits create security risks. According to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “The decision was made in light of the improvement in the security situation at the compound.” Right-wing Knesset member Yehuda Glick tried to ascend to the disputed compound on Wednesday, but was denied entry by security forces.
Two members of the Israeli Knesset visited the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound today for the first time since legislators were banned from the disputed site almost two years ago. Yehuda Glick and Shuli Mualem, respectively of the Likud and HaBayit HaYehudi parties, toured the compound accompanied by security forces after police approved a one-day "pilot" visit despite rising Palestinian anger at Israel’s perceived desire to change the status quo at the site. Across the stairs to the compound, protesters carried signs that read, "Crazy people, get down the mountain. Your pilot endangers us all.”