WASHINGTON (JTA) — U.S. government officials are banned from entering Jerusalem’s Old City on Friday.
“The Consulate General has received reports of civil unrest and clashes in the Old City and in East Jerusalem,” said a message sent Thursday to U.S. citizens by the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem.
“As these events may continue tomorrow, U.S. government official personnel are restricted from entering the Old City on Friday, October 31,” the message said. “Although the current restriction is for the Old City, other areas may also be affected by clashes.”
Jerusalem is tense after an assassination attempt on a leader of a Jewish group that advocates Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount.
Police shut down the Temple Mount to Muslim worship for a day after the shooting on Wednesday but announced Thursday it would reopen in time for Friday prayers for men over 50.
