A new report by the Israeli police summing up activities for the month of Ramadan shows that since the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the police have arrested about 500 Muslims on the Temple Mount on the grounds incitement and some for terror-related crimes. This is according to data compiled by the Ramadan mission investigation headquarters of the Jerusalem district, which was established in preparation for the Muslim holy month.

About 100 of those arrested were on charges of inciting terrorism and encouraging acts of terrorism on social media and on the mountain itself. The rest were arrested on suspicion of assaulting policemen, prohibited assembly, and behavior that could violate public peace such as throwing stones lighting fireworks, and more.

Record-breaking 130,000 worshipers arrived at the Temple Mount for afternoon Ramadan prayers today, up from the 80,000 last year. In addition, the Israel Police are prepared for the Holy Fire ceremony taking place tomorrow in the Old City of Jerusalem pic.twitter.com/r0G9QDKXKl

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) April 14, 2023

The Jerusalem District Police Officer, Chief of Staff Erez Tavor, told reporters that "our preparations for the month of Ramadan were significant and meticulous, touched on all the different aspects and proved themselves. We deployed thousands of police officers in a variety of formations all over the city of Jerusalem. In preparation for Ramadan, a special command center was opened up under the leadership of the police and with the cooperation of the security forces and the relevant aid agencies.

Tavor added that "The main role of the Ramadan mission is to deal with the challenge of incitement on social media, to monitor and deal with these and other crimes on the internet, and to act to counter false rumors and publications. This wild incitement comes from terrorist organizations and various parties with an interest in heating up the area and creating disorder, friction, and violence while exploiting the population, infringing on the freedom of worship while desecrating the mosque. Despite this, in a broad view of the month of Ramadan, they were not successful, and most of the arenas in Jerusalem were quiet almost all the days of Ramadan. We allowed freedom of worship during the holidays for members of all religions and denominations in the Old City and all over Jerusalem."

The #Israel Police continue to ensure the freedom of worship for members of all denominations and religions in #Jerusalem, and in particular in the Old City. pic.twitter.com/PMTjvptap2 #Jewish #Muslims #Christians #Religion #ShabbatShalom #Passover #Easter #Ramadan @israelpolice

— Jewish News Agency (™) (@JewishNewsUSA) April 14, 2023

Tavor also pointed out that the Ramadan festivities were carried out fully, with little to no disturbances. "Besides the activity in the operational, intelligence, and awareness aspects, we also did not neglect the community needs before and during Ramadan. Anyone who was at the Damascus Gate during Ramadan could not miss the colorful holiday atmosphere with bustling commerce, lively traffic, and holiday decorations from all sides. It was the police activity that ensured a minimum amount of violence in the area and made security possible for all the residents of the city and those who come to its gates.”