Minister seeks to declare Muslim Temple Mount groups illegal

Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan asks Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon to declare two groups affiliated with Israel’s Muslim Movement – Northern Branch illegal because of their alleged involvement in harrassing Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, Channel 1 reports.

Ya’alon has the power to make such a declaration in the case of groups involved in terror or inter-ethnic violence.

Erdan’s written request reportedly includes a legal opinion from the Shin Bet security service in support of the move, Channel 1 says.

The holy site sees regular clashes between Muslim activists and police. Jewish visitors are not permitted to pray on the site according to a status quo agreement instituted by Israel after it conquered Jerusalem’s Old City in the 1967 Six Day War.