BICOM

Israel has conveyed a message to both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Jordan reiterating commitment to the status quo at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. The move comes ahead of upcoming holidays in both the Jewish and Muslim calendars, which have often been a flashpoint for violence.

The Temple Mount itself has seen numerous serious clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, especially during the start of the current wave of violence, which has seen at least 31 Israelis killed since October. Having captured Jerusalem’s Old City during the 1967 Six Day War, Israel placed administration of the Temple Mount, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims, under the joint authority of Jordan’s government and the Jerusalem-based Islamic Waqf religious council. Although Jews are permitted to visit the site in small groups, they are not allowed to pray there for fear of subsequent violence.

In recent days, Jerusalem Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, the Muslim cleric in charge of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, warned against Israeli “provocations” at the site. Meanwhile Adnan Gaith, head of the Tanzim, the armed wing of PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah, faction told Israel Radio that “Al-Aqsa is a red line, people will not think twice about protecting it.”

A senior Israeli official is said to have this week conveyed a clear and reassuring message to the PA and Jordan over the issue. Haaretz quotes an anonymous official, who said “The main message in the meeting was that Israel is committed to keeping the status quo on the Temple Mount and is interested in keeping the peace during the holidays.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week reiterated a ban on ministers and Knesset members from visiting the Temple Mount. Meanwhile, Major General Yoav Mordechai, the IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, gave interviews to the Palestinian Maan news agency and Saudi network Elaph, emphasising Israel’s commitment to Temple Mount calm.