Deputy Foreign Minister Tzahi Hanegbi and Police Commission Yohanan Danino today (Wednesday 12 November 2014) held a joint briefing for members of the diplomatic corps in Israel regarding the situation on the Temple Mount.

Over 60 ambassadors and members of diplomatic staff convened at a special briefing at the Foreign Ministry, which was intended to provide comprehensive information on recent events in Jerusalem, with emphasis on events relating to the Temple Mount. The diplomats were shown visual materials illustrating Islamic incitement and violence on the Temple Mount.

Deputy FM Hanegbi stated: "Israel is dedicated to freedom of religion and worship for all faiths and is committed to the sanctity and security of all holy places. Israel has maintained and will continue to maintain the status quo on the Temple Mount and Jordan's special role as the protector of Islam's holy places in Jerusalem, and will resist any attempts to change. Any statement to the contrary is a private opinion that is not representative of the Israeli government. Unfortunately, we are witnessing an upsurge in Palestinian violence, which is supported by incitement by official Palestinian sources and by radical Islamic elements."

Police Commissioner Danino stated:  "The main role of the Israel Police is to maintain public peace and security throughout the country with an emphasis on Jerusalem, which is a central part of our mission."