JERUSALEM, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Deputy Internal Security Minister Yaacov Edri on Thursday warned that Jewish extremists might attack the Temple Mount to thwart the implementation of Gaza pullout plan.

    Edri was quoted by local newspaper Ha'artez as saying that Israeli police have recently stepped up presence around the Temple Mount.

    "The closer we get to the disengagement plan, the more the threats will grow," Edri said.

    The Israeli cabinet approved the pullout bill on Sunday, under which Israel will evacuate troops and settlers from all 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and four of 120 in the West Bank starting from July 20.

    "We are preparing for scenarios of crazy people shooting or throwing grenades at the mosques or of people launching an airbornestrike," Edri said.

    The Temple Mount, about the size of 15 football stadiums, is the site of Judaism's first and second temples.

    It is also regarded as Muslim confines because of Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque built on it.

    The Temple Mount was opened to the public until September 2000 when the Palestinians started the Intifada (Uprising). It was reopened to non-Muslims in August 2003.

    Israeli security services are closely watching the movements of several right-wing Jewish extremists, suspecting an attack is being planned against the Temple Mount.

    On Monday, a far-right Jewish group warned of a growing desire among certain individuals to carry out an attack on the holy site. Enditem