For years unofficial restrictions bar Jews and Christians from praying atop the Temple Mount or carrying a Bible to the holy site. Muslim watchers keep an eye on all Jewish and Christian visitors, and Israeli police are quick to arrest those who violate these restrictions.

Of late, the police have simply been keeping the Temple Mount closed to all non-Muslim visitors.

"And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."  Isaiah 8:14