Amid PA (Palestinian Authority) threats of a “religious war” in response to an Israeli cabinet decision earlier in the week adding the Machpelah and Kever Rachel to a list of national heritage sites, President Shimon Peres released statements on Wednesday seeking to lower diplomatic tensions.

Mr. Peres made his remarks during a meeting with the United Nations special Mideast envoy, Robert Serry, meeting with him in the Presidential Residence. He attributed threats of a “third intifada” and a “religious war” to a “misunderstanding”, explaining we do not need “artificial conflicts”. Mr. Peres stressed that Israel is not seeking to monopolize control of the religious sites.

The president stressed Israel’s policy has always been and will continue to be maintaining an open policy, permitting free access to holy sites for members of all faiths. The decision, adding the holy sites to the national heritage list is one of funding and educational significance, not a signal that others will be barred from visiting.

Sadly, the president did not cease the opportunity to highlight the Jewish People’s Torah-based claim to those sites ,but seemed to intimate that all faiths have an equal claim, once again watering down the opportunity to make a Kiddush Hashem.

He called upon his guest, Mr. Serry, to inform UN Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon that the cabinet decision simply means more funds will be allocated for those sites, towards improving them and access to them, once again feeling a need to explain such a decision to the United Nations, especially Moon, who continues to wave the flag of anti-Israel policies.

According to Serry, Moon would soon be making a visit to the region.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)