Jerusalem’s holy sites in the Old City have already been closed to worshippers of all faiths for about a week, and authorities now say the unusual situation will continue through the coming weekend. The Jerusalem District Police announced that under Operation “Roaring Lion”, the heightened emergency deployment across the city will remain in place and access to the holy sites will not be allowed at this stage.
Since the start of the operation, Jerusalem District Police officers and Border Police units have been operating across the city in emergency mode. Forces are deployed throughout the district and prepared to respond quickly to any scenario, particularly to reach rocket impact sites and carry out life-saving actions alongside rescue and security teams.
Why are Jerusalem’s holy sites still closed to worshippers?
According to the police, the decision stems from the ongoing security situation and the need to protect public safety during a highly sensitive period. Since the beginning of the fighting, several missile barrages have been launched toward Jerusalem, and interception debris has fallen in parts of the city, including areas near the Old City.
In line with Home Front Command guidelines and in order to prevent large gatherings in sensitive locations, all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City remain closed to visitors and worshippers from all religions.
Among the sites included in the decision are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount – three of the most significant and frequently visited religious sites in Jerusalem during normal times.
The Jerusalem District Police said: “Jerusalem District Police officers and Border Police forces have been operating since the beginning of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’ in emergency mode and on a large scale throughout the district. The purpose of the reinforced deployment is to provide a rapid and decisive response to any scenario, particularly quick arrival at impact sites in order to carry out life-saving actions and assist security and rescue forces.”
Police also emphasized the importance of public responsibility during this period. “We call on the public to remain alert and to follow the instructions of police officers and authorized authorities,” the statement added.
Why are the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre still closed?
At this stage, no date has been announced for reopening the holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City. The decision will depend on security developments and ongoing assessments by the relevant authorities.
Police officials said the heightened deployment will continue through the coming weekend, with forces remaining active across Jerusalem to ensure a rapid operational response to any incident and to safeguard residents and visitors.
