Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu continues working to calm Islamic violence purportedly related to Jewish efforts to compel freedom of religion for non-Muslims on Har Habayis.

Not standing on ceremony or kovod, last week Mr. Netanyahu traveled to Amman twice for meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry, King Abdullah II and PA (Palestinian Authority) Chairman Abu Mazen. Mr. Netanyahu continues releasing statements that he and his administration remain committed to the long-standing religious status quo on Har Habayis, to the dismay of Har Habayis activists who object to the current policy. Activists are unwilling to accept continued control over Har Habayis remaining in the hands of the Islamic Waqf Authority.

The prime minister used the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday 23 Marcheshvan to release additional messages via the media. “Last Thursday I met with King Abdullah and US Secretary of State John Kerry. We called for a calming of the situation, the restoration of quiet and a halt to incitement and violence. I said that it is impossible to stop the violence without stopping the incitement that leads to violence.

“Less than 24 hours after this meeting in Amman, the official media of the Palestinian Authority called for a day of rage in Jerusalem. Abu Mazen must halt the incitement that leads to acts of violence. This is one of the roots of the inflamed moods that are fueled by Islamist extremist propaganda and propaganda by the Palestinian Authority.

“I call on Abu Mazen to stop this propaganda immediately. In any case, Israel will defend its citizens against acts of violence. We will use all legal means at our disposal, including new legislation, to maintain the security of our citizens and residents.

“Israel is also being challenged by lies being disseminated to the effect that we intend to change the status quo on Har Habayis – this is a gross lie. We are being challenged by the unwillingness to recognize the right of the Jewish People to a state of its own.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)