Netanyahu said to put metal detectors at Temple Mount in 2017 due to son’s pressure

Security measures including metal detectors and cameras outside Lions Gate, a main entrance point for those heading to the Temple Mount compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, July 23, 2017. (AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI)
Security measures including metal detectors and cameras outside Lions Gate, a main entrance point for those heading to the Temple Mount compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, July 23, 2017. (AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI)

The “security incident” that an ex-aide to Benjamin Netanyahu referenced in his testimony today at the former prime minister’s corruption trial involved placing metal detectors at the entrance to the Temple Mount, according to reports.

Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Netanyahu, said earlier today that a security incident that “could have killed thousands” was never revealed publicly, and that the then-prime minister was influenced by his “surroundings.”

According to Ynet and Channel 12 news, the incident was the placement of metal detectors at the Temple Mount in 2017, at the pressure of Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu.

Hefetz said earlier that he left his job with Netanyahu in September 2017 because he “believed that [the premier] was no longer fit to make security decisions for the State of Israel.”

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.