Jerusalem Police have completed operational preparations for Ramadan 2026, which begins this week, deploying hundreds of officers across the capital with a particular focus on the Old City and the Temple Mount, officials said on Monday.
The stated goal is to enable freedom of worship while preserving security and public order, a balance that in past years has proven delicate, especially amid broader regional tensions.
“We want to allow everyone who wishes to pray to do so,” said Deputy Commander Arad Braverman of the David Precinct, the police subdistrict responsible for the Old City and its holy sites. Braverman, who has served 10 years in Jerusalem and is now in his fourth year in his current role, spoke during a briefing call with reporters ahead of the holy month.
Police will deploy forces around the clock in and around the Temple Mount and the Old City. On Fridays – traditionally the most sensitive days during Ramadan – deployments will expand significantly, with several thousand officers positioned in layered security circles stretching from Jerusalem’s perimeter crossings to the alleys of the Old City.
The aim, Braverman said, is to maintain order and ensure traffic continues to flow in and out of the Old City, while managing the expected surge in worshippers.
According to police estimates, the government is expected to approve approximately 10,000 entry permits for West Bank Palestinians to attend Friday prayers – similar to last year’s arrangements – though final numbers will depend on government decisions.
Police emphasized that there will be no change to the status quo on the Temple Mount, “regardless of what has been said by politicians,” said officials, in a pointed reference to recurring political rhetoric that often surfaces ahead of Ramadan.
“There are no magnetometers,” said Braverman, referring to the security devices that sparked widespread unrest when installed at the compound in 2017, following a deadly terror attack. Their removal at the time was seen as a reaffirmation of the delicate arrangements governing the site.
Heightened tensions surroundig Ramadan holiday
Ramadan in Jerusalem has repeatedly coincided with heightened tensions in recent years.
In 2021, nightly clashes at Damascus Gate and on the Temple Mount during Ramadan escalated into a broader confrontation with Hamas in Gaza. In subsequent years, police have placed increasing emphasis on early deployment, friction prevention, and intelligence-led monitoring of incitement – particularly online.
Last year, Ramadan unfolded under the shadow of the October 7, 2023, massacre and the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. Despite fears of escalation, large-scale violence was largely avoided in Jerusalem, though police reported several thwarted attempts to incite unrest at the holy sites.
Police said that in recent months, Jerusalem District officers and Border Police forces have carried out intensified enforcement against inciters and public order violators in east Jerusalem, including individuals accused of posting pro-terror content on social media. Indictments have been filed in some cases.
“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,” the Police Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement issued ahead of the briefing.
Authorities said that, based on past experience, Ramadan often sees attempts to spread rumors and false claims – particularly concerning the Temple Mount – designed to inflame tensions.
The Jerusalem District operates an enhanced monitoring center to track online incitement during the month, police said, warning of “zero tolerance” toward those who seek to exploit the period to incite violence or spread disinformation.
“We call on the public and worshippers not to heed false publications intended to create panic or a misleading perception,” the statement read.
Police said preparations included extensive coordination with the Jerusalem Municipality, Magen David Adom, the Islamic Waqf, and other security bodies operating in the area.
On Fridays, police will operate in graduated security circles – from checkpoints at Jerusalem’s perimeter crossings to the Temple Mount itself – with significant reinforcement in response to large crowds.
Public transportation will be encouraged, and certain areas around the Old City are expected to be closed to private vehicles to manage traffic flow safely.
Police 'committed to safeguarding freedom of worship'
Jerusalem District Commander Avshalom Peled said ahead of Ramadan that the district remains “committed to safeguarding freedom of worship for members of all religions and communities in the city.”
He added, “Our mission is to ensure that every Muslim can pray and observe the traditions of Ramadan safely, peacefully, and securely.”
Peled said that “police officers operate around the clock to serve as a buffer between law-abiding citizens and terrorist or incitement elements seeking to undermine daily life.”
As in previous years, much will depend on regional developments, political messaging, and police preparedness.
For now, police insist their posture is one of vigilance without deviation from established arrangements.
“No change in the status quo,” Braverman reiterated.