Israel removes metal detectors from holy site

Yes, Israel removed the metal detectors it had installed at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif holy site in Jerusalem on July 25, 2017, after a week-long standoff with Muslim leaders and protests from the Palestinian Authority.

The metal detectors were installed by Israel on July 14, 2017, after a deadly shooting attack at the site that killed two Israeli police officers. The attack was carried out by three Arab Israeli gunmen who were able to smuggle guns into the site by hiding them in a camera.

The installation of the metal detectors was seen as a provocation by the Muslim authorities, who claimed that the detectors were a violation of the status quo at the site and an attempt to impose Israeli control over the holy site. The Palestinian Authority and other Muslim leaders called for the detectors to be removed, and protests and clashes broke out in Jerusalem and other parts of the West Bank.

After several days of tensions and negotiations, Israel announced on July 24, 2017, that it would remove the metal detectors and replace them with other security measures, including cameras and intelligence gathering. The decision was seen as a concession to the Muslim authorities and a way to ease tensions in the region.

The removal of the metal detectors was seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, and was hailed as a victory by the Palestinian Authority and other Muslim leaders. However, the incident highlighted the ongoing tensions and sensitivities surrounding the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif holy site, which is considered sacred by both Jews and Muslims.