An Israeli Arab cleric was arrested during a demonstration in
Jerusalem. Sheik Raed Salah, head of Israel’s Islamic Movement, was taken
into custody Wednesday on suspicion on inciting protesters to violence. Salah already is facing criminal charges for cursing and
spitting at police during an earlier confrontation.
Recent rioting by Palestinians and other Muslims was sparked by Arab
allegations that the Israeli project aimed to undermine the foundations
of two major Muslim shrines on the Temple Mount, a charge Muslim
leaders frequently use to incite their followers against Israel.
Wednesday’s demonstration was held in eastern Jerusalem against an
archeological dig in the Western Wall Plaza. Demonstrators waved Palestinian and Syrian flags. Three Israeli police were injured trying to disperse the crowd using tear gas and stun grenades.
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