Relative calm returns to contentious Jerusalem holy site
JERUSALEM — After three days of clashes between Muslims and Israeli forces at a contentious Jerusalem holy site, quiet has returned to the hilltop compound.
Israeli armed forces deployed heavily early Wednesday at the entrance to the compound and adjacent to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where Muslim demonstrators clashed with Israeli forces over the last three days during a Jewish holiday. Police appeared cautious not to inflame the situation by getting too close to the mosque.
Fifteen religious Jewish visitors toured the site early Wednesday, accompanied by Muslim authorities who administer the compound and an Israeli officer. The site is revered by both Muslims and Jews and is a frequent flashpoint for tensions.
Jews are permitted to visit the hilltop compound, known to them as the Temple Mount, but banned from praying there.
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