Israel lifts closure of West Bank as east Jerusalem tensions calm

Israel lifts closure of West Bank as tensions calm

JERUSALEM — Israel has lifted its closure on the West Bank and granted open access to Jerusalem’s holiest shrine.

Police say thousands of troops will remain on high alert but reported no disturbances Wednesday as calm returned. Israel originally sealed off the territory last week.

Wednesday’s measures came a day after the heaviest clashes in months broke out across the city. Hundreds of Palestinians in east Jerusalem set tires and garbage bins ablaze and hurled rocks at Israeli riot police, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas.

The violence broke out during the worst U.S.-Israeli diplomatic feud in decades. Washington objects to Israeli plans for 1,600 new apartments in east Jerusalem, announced during a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.