Police deny rumors of planned X-ray cameras on Temple Mount

Police are denying rumors that they are planning to install X-ray cameras on the Temple mount that can see through the clothes of worshipers.

Muslim worshipers have stayed away from the sacred compound since Israel installed metal detectors there last week in the wake of a terror attack carried out with guns that had been smuggled onto the Mount.

The detectors were removed early Tuesday morning but Israel’s security cabinet said it would replace the metal detectors with “advanced technologies,” reportedly referring to cameras that can detect hidden objects, but said the process could take up to six months.

Several ​worshipers who prayed at the entrance to the Temple Mount Tuesday tell The Times of Israel that they are concerned the new cameras would be used “to see our women naked.” Palestinian social media has been rife with similar rumors.

Responding to the claims, police say that ​they “do not use any type of camera that harms privacy in any way and has no intention of using such cameras in the future.”

“The purpose of the cameras is to protect and guard public safety,” a statement says, adding that all security measures “are done while maintaining full respect for the public and its privacy, whether the people are worshipers or passersby, let alone women.”

— Raoul Wootliff