In preparation for the holiday of Tisha B’Av, hundreds of police officers, Border Guard soldiers, and volunteers will be deployed throughout Jerusalem on Wednesday to maintain public safety and direct traffic.
According to Israel Police, security preparations were focused in the Old City, at the Western Wall, and at other holy sites.
Police and Border Guard will deploy both overt and covert forces, as well as special units, to ensure that law enforcement will be able to swiftly respond to any unusual incidents.
Roads to be partially closed for Tisha B'Av march, prayers
Police are also preparing for the Women for Israel’s Future march, which will take place on the route from Independence Park to the Dung Gate on Wednesday evening.
Gershon Agron Street, King Solomon Street, Paratroopers Road, Sultan Suleiman Street, Jericho Road, Ophel Road, and Ma’ale Hashalom Street will be closed when the march begins at 8:30 p.m and will reopen as it progresses.
On Thursday morning between 4:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., Ophel Road and Ma’ale Hashalom Street will be closed to traffic for morning prayers.
In preparation for the end of the Tisha B’Av fast, Sultan Suleiman Street, Jericho Road, Ophel Road, and Ma’ale Hashalom Street will be intermittently closed between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Public transportation to the Western Wall will operate on its normal schedule throughout Wednesday and Thursday.
Israel Police urged the public to be patient, obey law enforcement instructions, and avoid engaging in any disorderly or violent conduct throughout Tisha B’Av prayers and events.