Jerusalem rabbis petition Knesset to increase Jewish sovereignty over Temple Mount

Petition comes ahead of Knesset deliberation on policies regarding the contested holy site.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Police patrol near the Temple Mount 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Police patrol near the Temple Mount 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A group of rabbis and yeshiva heads submitted a petition to the Knesset demanding legislation to increase Jewish sovereignty on the Temple Mount, according to a report on Friday by Israel Radio.
Riots broke out again on Friday on the Temple Mount in response to growing tensions on the matter.
The petition comes ahead of a  Knesset deliberation on policies regarding the Temple Mount, due to begin in the middle of next week. The meeting will review a proposal by MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud) to place the Temple Mount under Israeli supervision.
Upcoming Knesset discussions follow rioting on the Temple Mount,  after Friday Muslim prayers, in which rocks were thrown at Israeli police, earlier this month. The violence came a day after police closed the holy site to Jews to avert another riot, following numerous anonymous threats from Arabs of probable violence should any Jews ascend.
Regarding the upcoming Knesset meeting, Jordanian ministers have expressed strong disapproval for any challenge to Jordan's sovereignty over Jerusalem's Muslim and Christian holy sites. The Jordanian parliament’s lower house even voted early in February to expel Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo, and to recall the Jordanian Ambassador to Israel, Walid Obeidat.
Peres has assured Jordan this month that Israel will honor its agreements with Jordan, and will ensure all worshipers from all religions could pray in their respective holy sites.
Daniel K. Eisenbud contributed to this article.