Security Tightens as Thousands of Palestinians Protest Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

Security operatives have been placed in strategic positions as thousands of Palestinians prepare to protest against the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israeli security forces are on high alert as thousands of Palestinians are expected to take part in a protest on Friday to express their outrage with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israeli police have reinforced their presence in Jerusalem, while the Israel Defense Forces have deployed additional troops to different locations across the West Bank, The Times of Israel said.

At the same time, Israeli authorities did not announce any plans to impose restrictions on Muslim worshipers praying on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Israeli security forces are, in particular, concerned about a possibility that the so-called lone wolf attackers may try to stage terrorist attacks, the publication said.

Trump announced Wednesday the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and instructed the State Department to begin preparations for the transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv.

He also urged other countries to follow the U.S. move.

Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement declared Friday a “day of rage” and the beginning an uprising over the U.S. move.

An emergency UN Security Council has been called for this Friday to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in light of the U.S. policy reversal, condemned by the UN chief and world leaders.

-Sputnik/NAN