Instead of condemning these acts, Mahmoud Abbas has chosen, once again, to fuel the fire in the most shameful manner. The Chairman of the Palestinian Authority encourages and legitimizes extremist Islamic activities with his anti-Semitic remarks. Only yesterday, he declared: We cannot allow the filthy feet of the Jews to desecrate Al-Aqsa. This rhetoric is obscene and dangerous. The last time Abbas incited against Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, a Jew was shot by a Palestinian terrorist.”

Ambassador Prosor responded to the Security Council statement on the topic, which was released this evening (Thursday):

“This statement, which only uses the Arabic name for the Temple Mount, affirms the right of Muslims to be present an to pray at the compound, but completely ignores the Palestinian violence, the deep connection of the Jewish People to the Temple Mount, and the right of all to visit the site. Instead of calming tensions, the Council sides with those who are trying to set the region on fire.  When the Palestinians set the Temple Mount ablaze, Mahmoud Abbas fuels the fire, and the Security Council fans the flames, it is a recipe for a regional explosion.”

In a letter that the Ambassador sent this morning to the UN Secretary General and to the Security Council, Prosor said:

“Israel is determined to safeguard the holy sites of the three monotheistic faiths in Jerusalem. As Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly declared, the Government of Israel is committed to maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount. Any attempt by the UN to equivocate or avoid a clear statement denouncing those responsible for the outbreak of violence will only encourage further destabilizing activities, and further inflame an already dangerous situation.”