GOC Homefront Command Major General Yair Golan issued an order Monday banning the head of the Islamic Movement's northern branch, Sheikh Raed Salah, from entering Jerusalem for three weeks.
The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated that the restraining order is aimed at keeping peace in the city, and that the army plans to have it extended to six months if Salah does not successfully appeal the order within seven days.
Salah is currently facing four indictments due to his participation in the Jerusalem riots of 2007, which broke out in response to Israel's archaeological dig at the entrance to Temple Mount.
The 51-year old Muslim leader was arrested in 2003 and indicted on charges of contact with a foreign agent, for which he received a two and a half year prison sentence. Over the years, Salah has been extremely outspoken on the issue of Jerusalem and its holy sites.
The most recent riots at Temple Mount this year were no exception for the sheikh, who made numerous fiery comments to Arab news agencies regarding Israel's restriction of Muslim prayer at the holy site.
Front Page Features