Hundreds of Muslim worshippers hurl stones at police, Border Guard forces in response to plans by right-wing elements to visit Temple Mount. Security forces break into compound; dozens refuse to clear out
Yair Altman

Friday prayers at Jerusalem's Temple Mount turned into a scene of violent riots as protesters hurled stones at security forces who in turn broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Police dispersed the protesters using shock grenades. Several officers were injured.

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers at the Mughrabi Gate hurled stones at police and Border Guard forces who raided the compound to evacuate them. No injuries or arrests were reported as of yet. Dozens are currently refusing to leave the mosque.

The riots have caused a stir in the Arab world. Al-Jazeera carried a live broadcast from the Temple Mount. Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Hussein of the al-Aqsa mosque said: "We demand that no settlers, radicals or soldiers enter the mosque to avoid friction." He claimed that the Israeli government is responsible for the situation and will "bear the consequences."

On Thursday, Jerusalem Police declared a heightened state of alert at the Old City due to mounting tensions over calls by right-wing elements and members of the Temple Mount Faithful group to visit the site.

Several cases of stone throwing were recorded in the Old City in the past week. The first incident saw police arrest 18 protesters suspected of rioting after hurling chairs at security forces. Several days later, an officer was injured when Arabs hurled stones at him. Police arrested three suspects.

Tensions are running high following an ad announcing a Temple Mount visit by Likud member Moshe Feiglin. Fearing riots police closed the area to Jewish visitors.

All of us should take a moment and reflect on the errors of the 6 Day war, once for a short glorious time our flag flew from the Temple Mount and the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron.

We must stand tall, and never give in to our enemies.