The Israel Police Jerusalem District has completed its operational preparations for the month of Ramadan, which will begin this week. During this period, many worshippers and visitors are expected to arrive in the city of Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City, the Temple Mount, and other holy sites.
The purpose of the police preparations and operational activity in Jerusalem during this time is to enable the proper and orderly observance of Ramadan and its prayers, while maintaining a balance between freedom of worship and the preservation of security, public safety, and public order.
In recent weeks, the Israel Police conducted extensive preparations, field tours, coordination meetings, and synchronization with all relevant authorities and partner security agencies operating in the Jerusalem area and its surroundings. The preparations also included thorough readiness training for officers, with a strong emphasis on mission awareness and professionalism.
Jerusalem District police officers, Border Police forces, and additional reinforcement units will be deployed across key locations, with particular focus on the Old City and holy sites, the surrounding areas of the Old City, the main access routes, and the seam between eastern and western Jerusalem, as well as along the routes used by worshippers.
The operational deployment will be adapted to the evolving operational needs and daily rhythms, and will include hundreds of officers working each day in security, public order, friction prevention, and traffic management frameworks.
On Fridays, the police will operate in graduated security circles, from the Jerusalem perimeter crossings through to the alleys of the Old City. Police deployments will be significantly reinforced and adjusted in accordance with the large movement of worshippers.
The police will employ a wide range of personnel and technological capabilities to identify and address irregularities, focusing on prevention and rapid response. The objective is to thwart terrorism and take firm, proactive, and uncompromising action against rioters, inciters, and lawbreakers who harm or attempt to harm worshippers, civilians, or security forces.
Over the past year, police forces successfully identified and prevented exceptional incidents in the Temple Mount area, allowing prayers to proceed as scheduled—despite ongoing attempts by terrorist organizations to create escalation at the site and disrupt normal life.
In recent months, Jerusalem District officers and Border Police forces carried out determined operational activity and concentrated efforts against inciters and public order violators in eastern Jerusalem, including those involved in incitement on social media, expressions of identification with terrorism, and support for terrorist activity. Indictments have already been filed against some of those involved.
Incitement attempts and false publications:
Past experience shows that during Ramadan, there are those who attempt to exploit the situation to spread inciting content online and false rumors, particularly regarding holy sites. Among them are terrorist elements who harm large numbers of worshippers and disrupt daily life through riots, violence, and disgraceful conduct.
Alongside operational activity, the Jerusalem District operates an enhanced monitoring and awareness center to track and prevent incitement on social media. The police make it clear that they will show zero tolerance toward anyone who seeks to exploit the days of Ramadan to incite violence, disrupt public order, or spread “fake news” designed to inflame tensions.
Beyond law enforcement measures against inciters using all available tools, and presenting the reality as it is, we call on the public and worshippers not to heed false publications intended to create panic or a misleading and false perception among the public.
Jerusalem District Commander, Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled, ahead of the month of Ramadan:
“The Jerusalem District is committed to safeguarding freedom of worship for members of all religions and communities in the city. Our mission is to ensure that every Muslim can pray and observe the traditions of Ramadan safely, peacefully, and securely. District police officers and Border Police personnel operate with dedication and professionalism around the clock to serve as a buffer between law-abiding citizens and terrorist or incitement elements seeking to undermine daily life. I call on the public to act responsibly and to respect one another in a spirit of tolerance.”
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