Cabinet votes to remove metal detectors from holy site in Jerusalem

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iStock/Thinkstock

iStock/Thinkstock(JERUSALEM) — Israel will remove metal detectors at the entrance of a holy site in Jerusalem.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet made the decision, saying they would instead use less obtrusive surveillance at the Temple Mount, according to the BBC.

The metal detectors were installed after two Israeli policemen were killed on July 14 at the holy site. Authorities said they were needed because the attackers smuggled the weapons, BBC reports.

The decision angered Muslims, who refer to the holy site as Haram al-Sharif, and provoked protests.

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