ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Arab citizens, particularly Muslims, joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during Itamar Ben-Gvir's four years as national security minister, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to data from Israel's Ministry of National Security and the Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023, before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline also extends to other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment remained very low, dropping from six recruits in 2022 to two in 2025.

The figures stand out against a broader increase in police recruitment, with thousands of new officers reportedly joining the force in recent years.

Officials have pointed to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy had allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements aimed at increasing representation, but that policy was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

ISRAEL: Muslim Recruits Fall From 165 To 96 |Ben-Gvir Faces Questions Over Arab Representation

ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Muslim citizens joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during the four years of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to figures cited from Israel’s Ministry of National Security and Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023 before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline has also affected other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment reportedly fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to just 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment dropped from six to two over the same period.

Officials have attributed the decline to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy that allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

The figures come amid continuing concerns over violence in Arab communities in Israel. Ben-Gvir’s office has rejected criticism and highlighted the broader increase in police recruitment during his tenure.

Israel Police Recruitment: Muslim Numbers Fall Sharply Under Ben-Gvir As Overall Police Hiring Rises

A Palestinian man from East Jerusalem, employed at a hotel near the city, stabbed several guests on Friday (September 12) in what Israeli authorities are treating as a suspected militant attack — the second such incident in the area this week. Two male victims, approximately 50 and 25 years old, were rushed to a hospital with stab wounds to the torso. The older man is reported to be in critical condition, according to emergency medical teams.&nbsp;The attacker, a hotel staff member, was apprehended after an off-duty police officer vacationing at the hotel tackled him to the ground. Other guests assisted in restraining the suspect until law enforcement arrived. In addition to the main suspect, police detained three more individuals believed to be connected to the incident. Their identities have not been released. This stabbing follows a deadly shooting earlier in the week, where two Palestinian gunmen from the occupied West Bank killed six people in Jerusalem. The militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, claimed responsibility for that attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-shooting-attack-four-killed-multiple-injured-1757318764731">Jerusalem shooting attack: Five killed, multiple injured; two attackers ‘neutralized’. What we know so far</a>&nbsp;The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and escalated violence throughout Israel and the West Bank.&nbsp;Earlier this week, a mass shooting at a major crossroads in Jerusalem on Monday (September 8) morning claimed the lives of five people and left at least 15 others wounded, Israeli officials said. Six of the injured remain in critical condition, according to the emergency medical service, Magen David Adom. The incident unfolded at the northern gateway into Jerusalem, a busy stretch that links the city with nearby Jewish settlements. Witnesses reported that two gunmen boarded a crowded bus during the morning rush and began shooting at passengers before continuing their attack outside near a bus stop.

Jerusalem stabbing: Two injured as man stabs guests at hotel; attacker arrested, say police

A Palestinian man from East Jerusalem, employed at a hotel near the city, stabbed several guests on Friday (September 12) in what Israeli authorities are treating as a suspected militant attack — the second such incident in the area this week. Two male victims, approximately 50 and 25 years old, were rushed to a hospital with stab wounds to the torso. The older man is reported to be in critical condition, according to emergency medical teams. The attacker, a hotel staff member, was apprehended after an off-duty police officer vacationing at the hotel tackled him to the ground. Other guests assisted in restraining the suspect until law enforcement arrived. In addition to the main suspect, police detained three more individuals believed to be connected to the incident. Their identities have not been released. This stabbing follows a deadly shooting earlier in the week, where two Palestinian gunmen from the occupied West Bank killed six people in Jerusalem. The militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, claimed responsibility for that attack. Also Read: Jerusalem shooting attack: Five killed, multiple injured; two attackers ‘neutralized’. What we know so far The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and escalated violence throughout Israel and the West Bank. Earlier this week, a mass shooting at a major crossroads in Jerusalem on Monday (September 8) morning claimed the lives of five people and left at least 15 others wounded, Israeli officials said. Six of the injured remain in critical condition, according to the emergency medical service, Magen David Adom. The incident unfolded at the northern gateway into Jerusalem, a busy stretch that links the city with nearby Jewish settlements. Witnesses reported that two gunmen boarded a crowded bus during the morning rush and began shooting at passengers before continuing their attack outside near a bus stop.

A hotel employee from East Jerusalem stabbed guests near the city, injuring two. Police have arrested him and three others. It's the second attack in the area this week

An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition.&nbsp;

The Israeli police alleged that the Hadera stabbing was a "terror attack".&nbsp;

According to the security sources, the accused was identified as Ahmad Jabareen, 36, an Israeli citizen from the nearby Arab city of Umm al-Fahm.&nbsp;

The police said the suspect has been located and “neutralized,” without elaborating.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-at-least-1-killed-9-wounded-in-terror-attack-at-beersheba-central-bus-station-764977">Also read:&nbsp;Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead</a>

They say he stabbed people in four different locations and fled on a moped. He was reportedly on a motorcycle when he stabbed passersby and fled.&nbsp;

Hillel Yaffe Medical Center stated that six people have been injured and brought for treatment, including two in critical condition, three in serious condition, and one in moderate condition.&nbsp;

New police chief Daniel Levy implied that the Israeli police are currently unable to adequately prevent terror attacks, the Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Gaza War: Yahya Sinwar Has Reportedly Reestalished Contacts With Qatar | WION Originals

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“I want to stress that the Israel Police, these days, as you understand, is stretched to the limit,” he said. “My heart is with the injured, but it seems like this is what we’ll have to face in this period and we need to be strong.”

The attack comes as tensions in West Asia have heightened. Last week, seven people were killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv. The shooting attack happened just before Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition.

An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition. The Israeli police alleged that the Hadera stabbing was a "terror attack". According to the security sources, the accused was identified as Ahmad Jabareen, 36, an Israeli citizen from the nearby Arab city of Umm al-Fahm. The police said the suspect has been located and “neutralized,” without elaborating. Also read: Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead They say he stabbed people in four different locations and fled on a moped. He was reportedly on a motorcycle when he stabbed passersby and fled. Hillel Yaffe Medical Center stated that six people have been injured and brought for treatment, including two in critical condition, three in serious condition, and one in moderate condition. New police chief Daniel Levy implied that the Israeli police are currently unable to adequately prevent terror attacks, the Times of Israel reported. Watch | Israel-Gaza War: Yahya Sinwar Has Reportedly Reestalished Contacts With Qatar | WION Originals × “I want to stress that the Israel Police, these days, as you understand, is stretched to the limit,” he said. “My heart is with the injured, but it seems like this is what we’ll have to face in this period and we need to be strong.” The attack comes as tensions in West Asia have heightened. Last week, seven people were killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv. The shooting attack happened just before Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Stabbing in Israel's Hadera: 6 stabbed, two critically wounded; police alleged 'terror attack'

Israel's police force has a significant connection to the state of Kerala in India's south. Apart from hosting two major centres of the Jewish population in India, namely Kochi and Kozhikode, a Kerala-based company also produces uniforms for the Israeli Police.&nbsp;

Located in the Kannur district of the state, about 463 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and over 2,300 km south of the national capital New Delhi, the Maryan Apparel Private Limited reportedly produces 100,000 units of Israeli Police uniforms at an annual average.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-studying-israel-hamas-war-to-draw-lessons-report-646663">Indian Army studying Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons, upgrade strategy</a>

Annually, representatives from the Israeli Police also conduct quality assessments at the factory to ensure the uniform standards are met, an India Today report said.&nbsp;

The factory is under the ownership of Thomas Olickal, a Mumbai-based businessman hailing from Kerala.

<h2>Israel Police's connect with Kerala</h2>

While speaking to the India Today publication&nbsp;about the collaboration between the factory and the Israeli Police, Shijin Kumar, the factory's manager, shared that the partnership began eight years ago when an inquiry was initiated by the Israeli authorities to supply Police uniforms for their personnel.&nbsp;

Since then, the factory has consistently provided uniforms to meet their requirements, the India Today report said further.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Around 18,000 Indians live in Israel, Indian govt deploys chartered planes

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"We have provided uniforms to the Philippian Army and the government officials of Kuwait earlier. Later, an inquiry from Israel came. The officials from the Israeli police also came down to Kerala and examined how our factory functions before finalising it (agreement for the supply of uniforms)," Shijin said.

"We have successfully delivered the order given to us every year," he added.

The company's initial Kerala outlet was located in the capital Thiruvananthapuram but later relocated to Kannur.&nbsp;

The factory employs approximately 1,500 individuals, with more than 95 per cent of the workforce comprising&nbsp;women, India Today reported.&nbsp;

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Israel's police force has a significant connection to the state of Kerala in India's south. Apart from hosting two major centres of the Jewish population in India, namely Kochi and Kozhikode, a Kerala-based company also produces uniforms for the Israeli Police.

Israel's police force has a significant connection to the state of Kerala in India's south. Apart from hosting two major centres of the Jewish population in India, namely Kochi and Kozhikode, a Kerala-based company also produces uniforms for the Israeli Police. Located in the Kannur district of the state, about 463 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and over 2,300 km south of the national capital New Delhi, the Maryan Apparel Private Limited reportedly produces 100,000 units of Israeli Police uniforms at an annual average. Also read | Indian Army studying Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons, upgrade strategy Annually, representatives from the Israeli Police also conduct quality assessments at the factory to ensure the uniform standards are met, an India Today report said. The factory is under the ownership of Thomas Olickal, a Mumbai-based businessman hailing from Kerala. Israel Police's connect with Kerala While speaking to the India Today publication about the collaboration between the factory and the Israeli Police, Shijin Kumar, the factory's manager, shared that the partnership began eight years ago when an inquiry was initiated by the Israeli authorities to supply Police uniforms for their personnel. Since then, the factory has consistently provided uniforms to meet their requirements, the India Today report said further. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Around 18,000 Indians live in Israel, Indian govt deploys chartered planes × "We have provided uniforms to the Philippian Army and the government officials of Kuwait earlier. Later, an inquiry from Israel came. The officials from the Israeli police also came down to Kerala and examined how our factory functions before finalising it (agreement for the supply of uniforms)," Shijin said. "We have successfully delivered the order given to us every year," he added. The company's initial Kerala outlet was located in the capital Thiruvananthapuram but later relocated to Kannur. The factory employs approximately 1,500 individuals, with more than 95 per cent of the workforce comprising women, India Today reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

This factory in India's Kerala, with 95 pc women workforce, supplies uniform to Israel Police

Five people were killed when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on passers-by and vehicles outside Tel Aviv, Israel, in the third shooting or knife incident in a week, forcing authorities to elevate the national alert level to "the maximum conceivable."

The shooter was shot and killed by police in Bnei Brak, a bustling Tel Aviv suburb, late Tuesday, according to police and the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, according to Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

"The terrorist is confirmed dead," Police Spokesman Eli Levi told the state-owned Kan TV news. The perpetrator was armed with an M-16 rifle, said another police statement.

According to the authorities, the shooter was a Palestinian from the West Bank who had entered Israel without permission.

According to Kan TV news, the assailant, a 27-year-old guy, had previously been convicted of illegal arms trafficking and had served around six months in prison before being released in late 2015.

At least one of the fatalities, according to a paramedic with the United Hatzalah rescue agency, was a police officer.

According to eyewitnesses, a gunman on a scooter opened fire on apartment balconies before moving on to bystanders in the street.

No one has claimed responsibility for the strike, which is Israel's third in a week.&nbsp;

Later on Tuesday, the police said Commissioner of Israel Police Kobi Shabtai has decided to raise the alert level to the highest possible, which is "the highest it has been since the fighting in Gaza in 2021."

Starting from Wednesday, thousands of police officers will be deployed to guard schools, kindergartens, bus stations, and crowded places across the country, said a police statement.

In the following days, most of the police efforts will be put into "fighting terror, increasing their presence in the streets and securing the civilian population," it said.

Meanwhile, the army said it will send additional troops, including four battalions, to the West Bank after assessing the situation.

This was in addition to another four battalions already sent to reinforce the area on Monday, a day after a fatal shooting attack took place in the city of Hadera in northern Israel, said an army statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said "Israel is facing a wave of murderous Arab terrorism," after the deadly shooting on Tuesday.

"The security forces are at work. We will fight terrorism with persistence, diligence and with an iron fist," the premier was quoted by his office`s statement as saying.

The PM`s office said Bennett held a security consultation with top security officials on Tuesday night. He will host an emergency meeting of the security cabinet on Wednesday.

(With inputs from IANS)

Five people were killed when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on passers-by and vehicles outside Tel Aviv, Israel, in the third shooting or knife incident in a week, forcing authorities to elevate the national alert level to "the maximum conceivable.

Five people were killed when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on passers-by and vehicles outside Tel Aviv, Israel, in the third shooting or knife incident in a week, forcing authorities to elevate the national alert level to "the maximum conceivable." The shooter was shot and killed by police in Bnei Brak, a bustling Tel Aviv suburb, late Tuesday, according to police and the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, according to Xinhua news agency. "The terrorist is confirmed dead," Police Spokesman Eli Levi told the state-owned Kan TV news. The perpetrator was armed with an M-16 rifle, said another police statement. According to the authorities, the shooter was a Palestinian from the West Bank who had entered Israel without permission. According to Kan TV news, the assailant, a 27-year-old guy, had previously been convicted of illegal arms trafficking and had served around six months in prison before being released in late 2015. At least one of the fatalities, according to a paramedic with the United Hatzalah rescue agency, was a police officer. According to eyewitnesses, a gunman on a scooter opened fire on apartment balconies before moving on to bystanders in the street. No one has claimed responsibility for the strike, which is Israel's third in a week. Later on Tuesday, the police said Commissioner of Israel Police Kobi Shabtai has decided to raise the alert level to the highest possible, which is "the highest it has been since the fighting in Gaza in 2021." Starting from Wednesday, thousands of police officers will be deployed to guard schools, kindergartens, bus stations, and crowded places across the country, said a police statement. In the following days, most of the police efforts will be put into "fighting terror, increasing their presence in the streets and securing the civilian population," it said. Meanwhile, the army said it will send additional troops, including four battalions, to the West Bank after assessing the situation. This was in addition to another four battalions already sent to reinforce the area on Monday, a day after a fatal shooting attack took place in the city of Hadera in northern Israel, said an army statement. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said "Israel is facing a wave of murderous Arab terrorism," after the deadly shooting on Tuesday. "The security forces are at work. We will fight terrorism with persistence, diligence and with an iron fist," the premier was quoted by his office`s statement as saying. The PM`s office said Bennett held a security consultation with top security officials on Tuesday night. He will host an emergency meeting of the security cabinet on Wednesday. (With inputs from IANS)

Israel Police on high alert after 5 killed in Tel Aviv shooting

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed.

Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison.

The Israeli police captured two detainees — Yaqoub Qadri, 48, and Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah — first. "Police in the northern zone captured two escaped prisoners a short while ago... in the city of Nazareth," they said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjk4oSRiPbyAhUTxjgGHXYbD2IQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BLgMLPtzKVXrpKl0qdl8N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;arrests more relatives of Palestinian jail breakers</a>

A few hours later the police revealed that two more jail breakers have been caught, leaving only two on the run now. "Two more prisoners who escaped were captured a short time ago... while they were hiding in a parking lot for trucks," the police said.

"Police located (the two fugitives) and chased them in a helicopter," the police statement said after the first two jail breakers were captured.&nbsp;"They offered no resistance when they were arrested in the south of Nazareth."&nbsp;

The first two jail breakers were spotted by locals as they rummaged through dustbins in search of food.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-high-security-jail-break-israel-nabs-palestinian-escapees-family-members-411737">After high security jail break, Israel nabs Palestinian escapees’ family members</a>

Israeli police also reported firing of a rocket at the southern Israel from the Gaza strip, a little after the first two jail breakers were caught. However, the rocket was successfully intercepted by Israel’s famous ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system.

Six ‘jihadists’ had successfully escaped the Gilboa prison by digging a tunnel, starting from under a sink in their prison cell.

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed. Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison.

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed. Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison. The Israeli police captured two detainees — Yaqoub Qadri, 48, and Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah — first. "Police in the northern zone captured two escaped prisoners a short while ago... in the city of Nazareth," they said in a statement. Also read | Israel arrests more relatives of Palestinian jail breakers A few hours later the police revealed that two more jail breakers have been caught, leaving only two on the run now. "Two more prisoners who escaped were captured a short time ago... while they were hiding in a parking lot for trucks," the police said. "Police located (the two fugitives) and chased them in a helicopter," the police statement said after the first two jail breakers were captured. "They offered no resistance when they were arrested in the south of Nazareth." The first two jail breakers were spotted by locals as they rummaged through dustbins in search of food. Also read | After high security jail break, Israel nabs Palestinian escapees’ family members Israeli police also reported firing of a rocket at the southern Israel from the Gaza strip, a little after the first two jail breakers were caught. However, the rocket was successfully intercepted by Israel’s famous ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system. Six ‘jihadists’ had successfully escaped the Gilboa prison by digging a tunnel, starting from under a sink in their prison cell.

Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run

Israeli security forces and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, wounding dozens of Palestinians and four police.

Separately on the Gaza border, a Palestinian shot at Israeli soldiers, who returned fire and killed him in the third such incident in recent days, the army said.

Hamas' health ministry confirmed the death of the Palestinian.

In Jerusalem, police fired sound grenades as Palestinian protests intensified at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, according to an AFP correspondent.

The Red Crescent reported 61 Palestinians wounded, 15 of whom were taken to hospitals.

Police said four officers were wounded as Palestinian protesters threw stones and other objects at security forces, who responded with what they called riot-dispersal means.

Seven people were arrested, police said.

Sunday marked the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday and thousands of Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa mosque.

It coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, which typically sees an increase in visits by Jewish religious nationalists to the holy site.

In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jewish visits to the site on Sunday but Muslim worshippers still feared they would be allowed in and protested there. The clashes with police broke out afterwards.

'It's our mosque'

After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police then opened the site to Jewish visits, sparking further clashes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he decided in advance "in consultation with all the security bodies" to allow Jewish entry.

"This year, as every year, Jews will go up to the Temple Mount on Tisha B'av, even when it is a Muslim holiday," he said in a Whatsapp video clip distributed to media.&nbsp;

"The question was not whether they would go up but how to manage it in the best way for public security and that is exactly what we did."&nbsp;

Palestinian worshippers blocked from entering after the clashes gathered outside and chanted "Allahu Akbar!" (God is greatest) and "With my soul and my blood, I will defend Al-Aqsa."

"It's our mosque, it's our Eid," said Assisa Abu Sneineh, 32, adding she was there when the clashes erupted.

"All of a sudden (security forces) arrived and began to hit and fire sound grenades."

Some 1,300 Jews visited the site on Sunday, according to the Muslim Waqf organisation, which administers the holy compound.

Jordan, the site's custodian and one of only two Arab countries with a peace treaty with Israel, condemned Israel's "continuous violations" there.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia called on the international community to "protect the Palestinian people from various Israeli aggressive practices".&nbsp;

Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi denounced Israel's response as "an act of recklessness and aggression."

Yehuda Glick, a former Israeli parliament member and a prominent campaigner for greater Jewish access to the site, accused Palestinian worshippers of provoking the clashes.

"When the Muslims were alone and they told them the Jews were not coming, they celebrated by doing riots," he said.

The compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is one of the most sensitive sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred for Jews, who revere it as the location of the two biblical-era temples.

Tisha B'av commemorates the destruction of the two temples.

The site is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jews can visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions.

A potent symbol of Palestinian national identity, it is the scene of regular clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police.

Sunday's incidents come only weeks ahead of Israel's September 17 elections, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to maintain calm.

But he also faced pressure from Israeli far-right politicians to open the holy site to Jewish visits.

- Tense Gaza border - 
The separate incident on the Gaza border followed two similar ones since the start of the month.

On Saturday, Israel's army said troops shot dead four heavily armed Palestinians on the Gaza border, adding one had managed to cross and throw a grenade at soldiers.

On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge his brother's death by Israeli fire entered Israel from Gaza and opened fire on soldiers, the army said.

Three Israeli soldiers were wounded and the Palestinian was killed, it said.

Regular protests and clashes erupted along the border of the blockaded Gaza Strip in March 2018.

At least 302 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since then, the majority during demonstrations and clashes.

Seven Israelis have also been killed in Gaza-related violence over the same period.

The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a UN and Egyptian-brokered truce.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya spoke of the Al-Aqsa clashes on Sunday, saying it "shows the religious dimension of the conflict."

Israeli security forces and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, wounding dozens of Palestinians and four police.

Israeli security forces and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, wounding dozens of Palestinians and four police. Separately on the Gaza border, a Palestinian shot at Israeli soldiers, who returned fire and killed him in the third such incident in recent days, the army said. Hamas' health ministry confirmed the death of the Palestinian. In Jerusalem, police fired sound grenades as Palestinian protests intensified at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, according to an AFP correspondent. The Red Crescent reported 61 Palestinians wounded, 15 of whom were taken to hospitals. Police said four officers were wounded as Palestinian protesters threw stones and other objects at security forces, who responded with what they called riot-dispersal means. Seven people were arrested, police said. Sunday marked the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday and thousands of Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa mosque. It coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, which typically sees an increase in visits by Jewish religious nationalists to the holy site. In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jewish visits to the site on Sunday but Muslim worshippers still feared they would be allowed in and protested there. The clashes with police broke out afterwards. 'It's our mosque' After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police then opened the site to Jewish visits, sparking further clashes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he decided in advance "in consultation with all the security bodies" to allow Jewish entry. "This year, as every year, Jews will go up to the Temple Mount on Tisha B'av, even when it is a Muslim holiday," he said in a Whatsapp video clip distributed to media. "The question was not whether they would go up but how to manage it in the best way for public security and that is exactly what we did." Palestinian worshippers blocked from entering after the clashes gathered outside and chanted "Allahu Akbar!" (God is greatest) and "With my soul and my blood, I will defend Al-Aqsa." "It's our mosque, it's our Eid," said Assisa Abu Sneineh, 32, adding she was there when the clashes erupted. "All of a sudden (security forces) arrived and began to hit and fire sound grenades." Some 1,300 Jews visited the site on Sunday, according to the Muslim Waqf organisation, which administers the holy compound. Jordan, the site's custodian and one of only two Arab countries with a peace treaty with Israel, condemned Israel's "continuous violations" there. Similarly, Saudi Arabia called on the international community to "protect the Palestinian people from various Israeli aggressive practices". Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi denounced Israel's response as "an act of recklessness and aggression." Yehuda Glick, a former Israeli parliament member and a prominent campaigner for greater Jewish access to the site, accused Palestinian worshippers of provoking the clashes. "When the Muslims were alone and they told them the Jews were not coming, they celebrated by doing riots," he said. The compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is one of the most sensitive sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred for Jews, who revere it as the location of the two biblical-era temples. Tisha B'av commemorates the destruction of the two temples. The site is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Jews can visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions. A potent symbol of Palestinian national identity, it is the scene of regular clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police. Sunday's incidents come only weeks ahead of Israel's September 17 elections, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to maintain calm. But he also faced pressure from Israeli far-right politicians to open the holy site to Jewish visits. - Tense Gaza border - The separate incident on the Gaza border followed two similar ones since the start of the month. On Saturday, Israel's army said troops shot dead four heavily armed Palestinians on the Gaza border, adding one had managed to cross and throw a grenade at soldiers. On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge his brother's death by Israeli fire entered Israel from Gaza and opened fire on soldiers, the army said. Three Israeli soldiers were wounded and the Palestinian was killed, it said. Regular protests and clashes erupted along the border of the blockaded Gaza Strip in March 2018. At least 302 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since then, the majority during demonstrations and clashes. Seven Israelis have also been killed in Gaza-related violence over the same period. The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a UN and Egyptian-brokered truce. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008. Hamas leader Ismail Haniya spoke of the Al-Aqsa clashes on Sunday, saying it "shows the religious dimension of the conflict."

At least 61 Palestinians injured after clash with Israel police at Jerusalem holy site

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

The attorney general will now decide whether to bring indictments in the case, which centres on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-again-question-netanyahu-over-alleged-corruption-150561">regulatory benefits</a> allegedly granted to telecommunications firm Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage from a related media company.

Police in February recommended indicting the prime minister in two other corruption investigations.

Netanyahu immediately rejected the accusations against him and his wife, claiming "these recommendations were determined and leaked even before the investigations began."

He has repeatedly called the allegations against him in all three cases a plot by his political enemies to force him from office.

"I'm sure that in this case the relevant authorities, after examining the issue, will reach the same conclusion: that there was nothing because there is nothing," he said in a statement.

Police said there was evidence to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, breach of trust and unlawful acceptance.

They recommended Sara Netanyahu face charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of evidence.

The three cases involving the long-serving premier have led to speculation over whether he will eventually have to step down.

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months. The attorney general will now decide whether to bring indictments in the case, which centres on regulatory benefits allegedly granted to telecommunications firm Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage from a related media company. Police in February recommended indicting the prime minister in two other corruption investigations. Netanyahu immediately rejected the accusations against him and his wife, claiming "these recommendations were determined and leaked even before the investigations began." He has repeatedly called the allegations against him in all three cases a plot by his political enemies to force him from office. "I'm sure that in this case the relevant authorities, after examining the issue, will reach the same conclusion: that there was nothing because there is nothing," he said in a statement. Police said there was evidence to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, breach of trust and unlawful acceptance. They recommended Sara Netanyahu face charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of evidence. The three cases involving the long-serving premier have led to speculation over whether he will eventually have to step down.

Israel police recommend indicting Netanyahu in third graft probe

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