Israeli Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter determined this week to arrest any Jew who is found expressing any outward form of worship, including moving one's lips in prayer, atop Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
Dichter submitted his written decision after two right-wing religious Israeli lawmakers informed police that they intended to test the freedom of religion for Jews in Israel by ascending the Temple Mount and quietly praying together.
Dichter insisted that such activity, as non-threatening as it may be, is prohibited due to the certain explosion of Muslim violence it would produce. The Islamic authorities that control the Temple Mount refuse to allow Jewish or Christian prayers at Judaism's holiest site, and will not permit Bibles to be brought into the compound.