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The following report was released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry is response to recent events on Har Habayis.

​Security measures are common in religious sites throughout the world, such as the Kaaba in Mecca, the Vatican, and the Western Wall, as well as many tourist sites, shopping malls and airports.

​Israel’s absolute commitment to upholding the status quo on Har Habayis is in no way diminished by placing security measures at the Har Habayis access points. Israel safeguards the freedom of religion and the right to worship of Jews, Muslims, Christians, and members of all other religions at their historical holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem and throughout the country and is also committed to ensuring safety and order at these sites.

All worshippers who came on erev Shabbos 27 Tammuz to Har Habayis were able to do so without being disturbed or hindered by security measures. However, those who came to confront the security forces, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails for example, were dealt with firmly, using anti-riot measures. The police will continue being on high alert in order to preserve public order and the safety of all.

The security measures placed at the entrance to Har Habayis are necessary to prevent additional terror attacks, particularly against the backdrop of the current unrestrained incitement, and to maintain the safety of the worshippers, visitors and police officers. The security checks are being carried out respectfully and efficiently.

The security measures were placed after the terrorists that perpetrated last Friday’s attack took advantage of the entrances allowing free entry to Har Habayis, smuggled weapons in and hid them in the compound, from which they later emerged to murder the police officers. The terrorists desecrated a holy site and turned a place of prayer into an arena of terror and bloodshed.

Security measures are common in religious sites throughout the world, such as the Kaaba in Mecca, the Vatican, and the Kosel, as well as many tourist sites, shopping malls and airports.

In the last few days, radical groups such as the Islamic Movement, Hamas and others, have engaged in vicious and dangerous incitement, presenting a false, distorted portrayal of the situation in the hope of encouraging young people to commit violent acts. They must not be allowed to sow violence and bloodshed. Public leaders should act to restore calm and to prevent the encouragement of violence in Jerusalem and in all other places.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Israel Police)