Ultra-orthodox Jews watch the launch of an Israeli observation airshipfrom the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem yesterday.

The airship, or blimp, carries cameras and will hover over the Old City, monitoring the al-Aqsa mosque during Friday prayers.

Israeli police are enforcing security against possible demonstrations against Israeli excavations from the compound, sacred to Muslims as Haram al Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount.

The excavations have been condemned by critics in the Muslim world, including King Abdullah of Jordan.

Yesterday Israeli police were ordered to investigate Sheikh Ra'ad Salah, head of the Islamic Movement northern branch and a leader of protests against the excavations.