The Jerusalem Police released five Jewish minors who had been arrested on suspicion of bowing in prayer while visiting the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem’s Old City; the compound where both biblical Temples once stood. Police accused the boys of causing a provocation on the Temple Mount, and after they were detained, the boys declined to cooperate with the interrogators and caused a provocation that lengthened the period of questioning. The reason behind the arrest, is due to police restrictions on the ancient plaza, where only Muslim worshipers are allowed to pray.
Even though Jews regard the Temple Mount as the holiest location to the Jewish religion, Israel is concerned that permitting non-Muslims to pray on the compound would escalate tension between Israel and Muslims around the world, and will bring about a dangerous reality. Thus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Western leaders across the Western world, have time and time again committed to maintaining a status quo, in which non-Muslims are only permitted to visit the ancient site – rejecting the basic international law: freedom of worship.