President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday evening spoke by telephone with the President of Turkey at President Erdogan’s request, against the background of recent developments in the region.

During their conversation, President Rivlin clarified to his Turkish counterpart that the terror attack perpetrated on Friday on Har Habayis – a site holy for all – was intolerable, and crossed a red line which endangered the ability of all of us to live together.

President Rivlin reminded President Erdogan that after the terror attack in Turkey, the State of Israel was quick to condemn those criminal acts. He said Israel expected to hear similar condemnation from Turkey, with the understanding that terror was terror wherever it took place; in Jerusalem, in Istanbul, or in Paris.

President Rivlin stressed that Israel was maintaining and would continue to maintain the status quo at the holy sites. He added that the steps taken on Har Habayis were intended to ensure that such acts of terror could not be repeated, and that Israel was committed to safeguarding the lives of all the citizens who visited the holy places.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)