At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, 7 Tishrei, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed a number of issues for the media, including accusations from the PA (Palestinian Authority) and Jordan of alleged Israeli efforts to harm al-Aqsa Mosque.

PM Netanyahu stated “I would like to say something about Har Habayis. Israel is committed to maintaining the status quo. We are not altering the status quo. Elements that incite with baseless, wild provocations – to the effect that Israel is trying to prevent Muslim prayer on Har Habayis or wants to destroy the mosques, or other wild things that are being said – it is they who are inciting. This incitement comes from the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic Movement in Israel, Hamas, and – to our chagrin – with the active participation of the Palestinian Authority.

“Therefore, if someone complains about the development of this situation, they would do best to direct their criticism, not towards Jerusalem, but rather towards Ramallah, Gaza and agitators in the Galil, and unfortunately, towards Turkey, from which incitement issues forth on a daily, even hourly, basis, not only the throwing of firebombs, but also something new – bringing explosives and pipe bombs onto Har Habayis.

“Explosives in the Al-Aqsa Mosque are explosives. Explosives in Al-Aqsa Mosque – that is changing the status quo. Israel will maintain the status quo. It will act responsibly, but with determination, to ensure that the existing arrangements are maintained. We have no plans to change them, but we also have no intention of allowing anyone to cause the deterioration of the arrangements on Har Habayis by resorting to explosive and widespread violence.

“On this issue I call on the public, the heads of political parties, to unite behind the Government’s determined and responsible action on Har Habayis, in Jerusalem and throughout the State of Israel. By taking determined action over time, we will restore quiet…”

In response to the prime minister’s words, MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi explained to the Knesset Channel that when there will be no police present, there will no longer be rock attacks. He stressed Muslims want quiet. He added he will update Jordan’s King Abdullah and others that the status quo on Har Habayis is not being maintained despite the PM’s remarks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)