Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns. Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.

PM Netanyahu bars Jewish visitors from Temple Mount for last 10 days of Ramadan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns.&nbsp;

Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.&nbsp;

In a statement, Netanyahu said that visits by non-Muslims to the sacred compound will be stopped until the end of Ramadan, expected around April 20.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Netanyahu also that he would "restore calm and security" to the country after tensions mounted across the nation since last week, with reports of clashes, shootings, rocket strikes, etc.&nbsp;

Last week, an Israeli police raid at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound triggered rocket attacks from Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria that drew Israeli air and artillery strikes.&nbsp;

Notably, the decision to bar Jewish visitors was in line with Israeli policy, which is aimed at reducing the clashes during the holiday period. However, some speculated that the new government might change the system.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said that the decision was taken after security talks and recommendations by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the decision to close Temple Mount for Jewish visitors is a "grave mistake that will not bring quiet" to the region. In a direct attack on Netanyahu Ben-Gvir said: "It can only escalate the situation."&nbsp;

"The lack of Jewish presence on Temple Mount will automatically cause a decrease in police presence on the Mount, which will create fertile ground for calls of incitement to murder Jews. When terror strikes, one must respond strongly rather than succumb to its whims," he said.&nbsp;

The Jerusalem Post report mentioned that a total of 3,013 Jews visited the Temple Mount during the intermediate days of Passover this year, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns. Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter. In a statement, Netanyahu said that visits by non-Muslims to the sacred compound will be stopped until the end of Ramadan, expected around April 20. Earlier this week, Netanyahu also that he would "restore calm and security" to the country after tensions mounted across the nation since last week, with reports of clashes, shootings, rocket strikes, etc. Last week, an Israeli police raid at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound triggered rocket attacks from Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria that drew Israeli air and artillery strikes. Notably, the decision to bar Jewish visitors was in line with Israeli policy, which is aimed at reducing the clashes during the holiday period. However, some speculated that the new government might change the system. Netanyahu said that the decision was taken after security talks and recommendations by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the decision to close Temple Mount for Jewish visitors is a "grave mistake that will not bring quiet" to the region. In a direct attack on Netanyahu Ben-Gvir said: "It can only escalate the situation." "The lack of Jewish presence on Temple Mount will automatically cause a decrease in police presence on the Mount, which will create fertile ground for calls of incitement to murder Jews. When terror strikes, one must respond strongly rather than succumb to its whims," he said. The Jerusalem Post report mentioned that a total of 3,013 Jews visited the Temple Mount during the intermediate days of Passover this year, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel bars Jewish visitors from Temple Mount for last 10 days of Ramadan

In what is being seen as a provocation by Palestine, Israel's extreme-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Jerusalem's contested holy site,&nbsp;Al-Aqsa mosque,&nbsp;on Tuesday. This was his first visit to the site since becoming a minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's government.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Palestinian Authority had warned against the visit calling the move a "red line". Former Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had also slammed Ben-Gvir's plan to visit the holy site. King Abdullah II of Jordan had also warned the incoming government not to cross “red lines” and that he is ready for a conflict in case the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites change.

"Our government will not surrender to the threats of Hamas," Ben-Gvir said in a statement published by his spokesman.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-ready-for-conflict-if-red-lines-in-jerusalem-are-crossed-warns-king-abdullah-547573">Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem are crossed, warns King Abdullah</a>

Ben-Gvir's visit comes days after he took office as national security minister, a position which gives him powers over the police.

The Palestinian foreign ministry slammed Ben-Gvir's visit as an "unprecedented provocation and a serious threat to the arena of conflict". Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem deemed it a "crime" and vowed the site "will remain Palestinian, Arab, Islamic".

Jordan also condemned the visit in "severest" terms.

Al-Aqsa mosque is the world's third-holiest place for Muslims along with being the most sacred site to Jews, who refer to the compound as the Temple Mount. &nbsp;Jews believe it to be the historic location of the two Jewish temples, making it Judaism’s holiest location. While only Muslims are allowed to worship within the compound, Jews can visit the site, but not pray there.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-minister-visits-jerusalem-holy-site-548982/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel, and we maintain the freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews will also go up to the mount, and those who make threats must be dealt with -- with an iron hand," Ben-Gvir said.

The site lies withing Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, while the compound is administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council. Israeli forces also operate there and control access.&nbsp;

Ben-Gvir has been lobbying for a change in management of the site to allow Jewish prayer there, a move mainstream rabbinical authorities have opposed.

Waqf guards told AFP that Ben-Gvir was accompanied by units of the Israeli security forces, while a drone hovered above the holy site.&nbsp;

Ben-Gvir has visited the compound several times since entering parliament in April 2021. However,&nbsp;a visit as a top minister assumes&nbsp;much more significance.

A controversial visit in 2000 by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon was one of the main triggers for the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, which lasted until 2005.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In what is being seen as a provocation by Palestine, Israel's extreme-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Jerusalem's contested holy site, Al-Aqsa mosque, on Tuesday.

In what is being seen as a provocation by Palestine, Israel's extreme-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Jerusalem's contested holy site, Al-Aqsa mosque, on Tuesday. This was his first visit to the site since becoming a minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Earlier, the Palestinian Authority had warned against the visit calling the move a "red line". Former Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid had also slammed Ben-Gvir's plan to visit the holy site. King Abdullah II of Jordan had also warned the incoming government not to cross “red lines” and that he is ready for a conflict in case the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites change. "Our government will not surrender to the threats of Hamas," Ben-Gvir said in a statement published by his spokesman. Also Read | Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem are crossed, warns King Abdullah Ben-Gvir's visit comes days after he took office as national security minister, a position which gives him powers over the police. The Palestinian foreign ministry slammed Ben-Gvir's visit as an "unprecedented provocation and a serious threat to the arena of conflict". Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem deemed it a "crime" and vowed the site "will remain Palestinian, Arab, Islamic". Jordan also condemned the visit in "severest" terms. Al-Aqsa mosque is the world's third-holiest place for Muslims along with being the most sacred site to Jews, who refer to the compound as the Temple Mount. Jews believe it to be the historic location of the two Jewish temples, making it Judaism’s holiest location. While only Muslims are allowed to worship within the compound, Jews can visit the site, but not pray there. × "The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel, and we maintain the freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews will also go up to the mount, and those who make threats must be dealt with -- with an iron hand," Ben-Gvir said. The site lies withing Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, while the compound is administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council. Israeli forces also operate there and control access. Ben-Gvir has been lobbying for a change in management of the site to allow Jewish prayer there, a move mainstream rabbinical authorities have opposed. Waqf guards told AFP that Ben-Gvir was accompanied by units of the Israeli security forces, while a drone hovered above the holy site. Ben-Gvir has visited the compound several times since entering parliament in April 2021. However, a visit as a top minister assumes much more significance. A controversial visit in 2000 by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon was one of the main triggers for the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, which lasted until 2005. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, enraging Palestinians, Jordan condemns move

As Israel prepared to swear-in what is one of the most right-wing government in its history, King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned the incoming government not to cross Jordan’s “red lines”, in a reference to Jerusalem’s holy sites. He said that he is ready for a conflict in case the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites change.&nbsp;

Abdullah, in an interview with CNN, said that the people in his country are concerned that those in Israel will try to push for changes to his custodianship of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem.

“You always have those people that will try and push that and that is a concern,” Abdullah said without mentioning names.

“If people want to get into a conflict with us, we’re quite prepared,” he told CNN. “I always like to believe that, let’s look at the glass half full, but we have certain red lines… And if people want to push those red lines, then we will deal with that.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268">Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</a>

Jordan considers itself the custodian of the Temple Mount. Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition includes controversial figures, such as Otzmah Yehudit chief Itamar Ben Gvir, who want Israel to assert its sovereignty over the Jerusalem holy site and opening Jewish worship there. This sets up the potential for an escalation in Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Islam’s third-holiest site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is located at Temple Mount. Jews also believe it to be the historic location of the two Jewish temples, making it Judaism’s holiest location. While only Muslims are allowed to worship within the compound, Jews can visit the site, but not pray there.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israels-most-right-wing-coalition-netanyahu-to-form-new-government-545646/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Israel captured the Temple Mount and Jerusalem’s Old City from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War. But the Jordanian Waqf was allowed to maintain religious authority there. Under their 1994 peace treaty, Israel recognized Amman’s “special role… in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem.”

In case changes are made to this agreement, the situation might escalate and spread to the wider Muslim world. However, the coalition deal stipulates that the status quo “with regard to the holy places” will be preserved.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

As Israel prepared to swear-in what is one of the most right-wing government in its history, King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned the incoming government not to cross Jordan’s “red lines”, in a reference to Jerusalem’s holy sites.

As Israel prepared to swear-in what is one of the most right-wing government in its history, King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned the incoming government not to cross Jordan’s “red lines”, in a reference to Jerusalem’s holy sites. He said that he is ready for a conflict in case the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites change. Abdullah, in an interview with CNN, said that the people in his country are concerned that those in Israel will try to push for changes to his custodianship of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem. “You always have those people that will try and push that and that is a concern,” Abdullah said without mentioning names. “If people want to get into a conflict with us, we’re quite prepared,” he told CNN. “I always like to believe that, let’s look at the glass half full, but we have certain red lines… And if people want to push those red lines, then we will deal with that.” Also Read | Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties Jordan considers itself the custodian of the Temple Mount. Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition includes controversial figures, such as Otzmah Yehudit chief Itamar Ben Gvir, who want Israel to assert its sovereignty over the Jerusalem holy site and opening Jewish worship there. This sets up the potential for an escalation in Israeli-Palestinian violence. Islam’s third-holiest site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, is located at Temple Mount. Jews also believe it to be the historic location of the two Jewish temples, making it Judaism’s holiest location. While only Muslims are allowed to worship within the compound, Jews can visit the site, but not pray there. × Israel captured the Temple Mount and Jerusalem’s Old City from Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War. But the Jordanian Waqf was allowed to maintain religious authority there. Under their 1994 peace treaty, Israel recognized Amman’s “special role… in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem.” In case changes are made to this agreement, the situation might escalate and spread to the wider Muslim world. However, the coalition deal stipulates that the status quo “with regard to the holy places” will be preserved. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem are crossed, warns King Abdullah

Jordan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned Israel's ambassador to the country, Amir Weissbrod, in protest over last week's clashes at Jerusalem's Temple Mount compound, when Jewish worshipers were allowed on the site to commemorate Tisha B'Av, which coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sufyan Qudah, said that the ministry's Secretary-General Zaid al-Lawzi delivered the Israeli ambassador a "decisive letter" to be conveyed immediately to the Israeli government.&nbsp;

In the letter, Jordan voiced its "condemnation and rejection of Israeli violations" at the highly-sensitive site, where Israeli security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades at Palestinian worshippers last week, Al Jazeera reported.

Jordan supervises the Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, and is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of the Temple Mount, known as Haram esh-Sharif in Islam.

In the statement, Jordon further condemned the closure of the mosque's gates and restrictions placed on worshippers' entry under any circumstances.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, tweeted that he met European Union representatives earlier on Sunday to "stress the urgency of effective Int'l steps against Israeli's violations of Holy Sites in occupied Jerusalem".

Jordan's diplomatic protest came days after Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan reportedly told a radio station that Tel Aviv should work towards allowing Jews to pray at the holy site.

But he added that the change should come through "political agreements and not by force," according to the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz.

However, Jews are only allowed to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque, but they cannot pray there - a ban condemned by some Israeli nationalists, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition.

Jordan's foreign ministry expressed "the kingdom's strong condemnation" over Erdan's comments, demanding "an immediate stop to Israel's violations and all its attempts to change the historic and legal status quo" at the site.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is also a key Palestinian national symbol.As Muslims around the world marked the Eid al-Adha holiday on August 11, Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, sparking Palestinian protests.

Eid al-Adha coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, resulting in an increase in visits by Jewish worshippers to the holy site.

In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jews from entering, but Muslim worshippers still suspected they would be allowed in and staged protests that sparked clashes.

After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police reopened the site to Jewish visits, provoking further violence.

The site is located in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned Israel's ambassador to the country, Amir Weissbrod, in protest over last week's clashes at Jerusalem's Temple Mount compound, when Jewish worshipers were allowed on the site to commemorate Tisha B'Av, which coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned Israel's ambassador to the country, Amir Weissbrod, in protest over last week's clashes at Jerusalem's Temple Mount compound, when Jewish worshipers were allowed on the site to commemorate Tisha B'Av, which coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sufyan Qudah, said that the ministry's Secretary-General Zaid al-Lawzi delivered the Israeli ambassador a "decisive letter" to be conveyed immediately to the Israeli government. In the letter, Jordan voiced its "condemnation and rejection of Israeli violations" at the highly-sensitive site, where Israeli security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades at Palestinian worshippers last week, Al Jazeera reported. Jordan supervises the Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, and is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of the Temple Mount, known as Haram esh-Sharif in Islam. In the statement, Jordon further condemned the closure of the mosque's gates and restrictions placed on worshippers' entry under any circumstances. Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, tweeted that he met European Union representatives earlier on Sunday to "stress the urgency of effective Int'l steps against Israeli's violations of Holy Sites in occupied Jerusalem". Jordan's diplomatic protest came days after Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan reportedly told a radio station that Tel Aviv should work towards allowing Jews to pray at the holy site. But he added that the change should come through "political agreements and not by force," according to the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz. However, Jews are only allowed to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque, but they cannot pray there - a ban condemned by some Israeli nationalists, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition. Jordan's foreign ministry expressed "the kingdom's strong condemnation" over Erdan's comments, demanding "an immediate stop to Israel's violations and all its attempts to change the historic and legal status quo" at the site. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is also a key Palestinian national symbol.As Muslims around the world marked the Eid al-Adha holiday on August 11, Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, sparking Palestinian protests. Eid al-Adha coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, resulting in an increase in visits by Jewish worshippers to the holy site. In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jews from entering, but Muslim worshippers still suspected they would be allowed in and staged protests that sparked clashes. After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police reopened the site to Jewish visits, provoking further violence. The site is located in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jordan summons Israeli envoy over Temple Mount 'violations'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Jerusalem will always be the capital of the Jewish state, speaking ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump.

&quot;Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel,&quot; Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers.

&quot;The Temple Mount and the Western Wall will always remain under Israeli sovereignty.&quot;

The Western Wall is the last remnant of the supporting wall of the second Jewish temple, built by King Herod and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

The holiest site where Jews can pray, it is in the Old City of east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community.

It is situated below the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam&#39;s third holiest site, referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount.

Trump is on Monday expected to become the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall.

Netanyahu was speaking at festivities marking the 50th anniversary of Israel&#39;s conquest of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War.

Preparations for Trump&#39;s visit have led to criticism from Israeli right-wingers after US officials declined to say whether the Western Wall was part of Israel.

The legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem is one of the key points in the Middle East conflict.

Israel considers the entire city to be its eternal and indivisible capital, but the Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

(AFP)

'Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel,' Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Jerusalem will always be the capital of the Jewish state, speaking ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump. "Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel," Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers. "The Temple Mount and the Western Wall will always remain under Israeli sovereignty." The Western Wall is the last remnant of the supporting wall of the second Jewish temple, built by King Herod and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The holiest site where Jews can pray, it is in the Old City of east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community. It is situated below the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount. Trump is on Monday expected to become the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall. Netanyahu was speaking at festivities marking the 50th anniversary of Israel's conquest of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War. Preparations for Trump's visit have led to criticism from Israeli right-wingers after US officials declined to say whether the Western Wall was part of Israel. The legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem is one of the key points in the Middle East conflict. Israel considers the entire city to be its eternal and indivisible capital, but the Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. (AFP)

Jerusalem will always be Israel's capital: Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel recalled its ambassador to UNESCO for consultations Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, after a second resolution accused of denying the Jewish connection to Jerusalem.

&quot;The theatre of the absurd continues and I decided to recall our ambassador for consultation,&quot; Netanyahu said in a statement. &quot;We will decide what the next steps will be.&quot;

The Israeli ambassador to the UN body, Carmel Shama Hacohen, told public radio that &quot;we are studying the possibility of breaking all contact with UNESCO&quot;.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee earlier adopted a resolution on the &quot;Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls,&quot; saying it was &quot;deeply concerned&quot; by Israeli building works and archaeological excavations in the city.

The vote comes eight days after UNESCO&#39;s executive council backed a resolution on the same theme that infuriated Israel.

The resolution refers throughout to the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Al-Haram Al-Sharif religious complex, without using the Israeli name &quot;Temple Mount,&quot; according&nbsp;to a copy seen by AFP.

Despite what an Israeli official called long efforts to get the resolution amended or dropped, the heritage committee, made up of 21 member states, adopted the text proposed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Tunisia.

The 14-hectare (35-acre) rectangular esplanade at the southeastern corner of the Old City is the third holiest site in Islam and the most holy in Judaism. Jews who believe it to be the location of the ancient first and second temples, the latter of which was destroyed in 70 AD.

Senior Palestinian figure Saeb Erekat hailed the resolution&#39;s passing, saying it &quot;aims at reaffirming the importance of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.&quot;

&quot;Israel has been using archaeological claims and distortion of facts as a way to legitimise the annexation of occupied east Jerusalem,&quot; he added.

Israel occupied and later annexed Palestinian east Jerusalem in 1967 in a move never recognised by the international community.

Wednesday&#39;s resolution came on the same day Israeli archaeologists unveiled a 7th century BC text they said contains the earliest mention in Hebrew of Jerusalem outside the Bible.

The antiquities authority said the papyrus, found near the Dead Sea, proved that &quot;Jews were in this city 2,700 years ago.&quot;

Culture minister Miri Regev pounced on the find as an opportunity to attack UNESCO. She said the discovery was proof Jerusalem &quot;has been and will forever remain the eternal capital of the Jewish people&quot;.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Israel is considering breaking all contacts with UNESCO, after a resolution on the holy site in Jerusalem without referring 'Temple Mount'

Israel recalled its ambassador to UNESCO for consultations Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, after a second resolution accused of denying the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. "The theatre of the absurd continues and I decided to recall our ambassador for consultation," Netanyahu said in a statement. "We will decide what the next steps will be." The Israeli ambassador to the UN body, Carmel Shama Hacohen, told public radio that "we are studying the possibility of breaking all contact with UNESCO". The UNESCO World Heritage Committee earlier adopted a resolution on the "Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls," saying it was "deeply concerned" by Israeli building works and archaeological excavations in the city. The vote comes eight days after UNESCO's executive council backed a resolution on the same theme that infuriated Israel. The resolution refers throughout to the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Al-Haram Al-Sharif religious complex, without using the Israeli name "Temple Mount," according to a copy seen by AFP. Despite what an Israeli official called long efforts to get the resolution amended or dropped, the heritage committee, made up of 21 member states, adopted the text proposed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Tunisia. The 14-hectare (35-acre) rectangular esplanade at the southeastern corner of the Old City is the third holiest site in Islam and the most holy in Judaism. Jews who believe it to be the location of the ancient first and second temples, the latter of which was destroyed in 70 AD. Senior Palestinian figure Saeb Erekat hailed the resolution's passing, saying it "aims at reaffirming the importance of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam." "Israel has been using archaeological claims and distortion of facts as a way to legitimise the annexation of occupied east Jerusalem," he added. Israel occupied and later annexed Palestinian east Jerusalem in 1967 in a move never recognised by the international community. Wednesday's resolution came on the same day Israeli archaeologists unveiled a 7th century BC text they said contains the earliest mention in Hebrew of Jerusalem outside the Bible. The antiquities authority said the papyrus, found near the Dead Sea, proved that "Jews were in this city 2,700 years ago." Culture minister Miri Regev pounced on the find as an opportunity to attack UNESCO. She said the discovery was proof Jerusalem "has been and will forever remain the eternal capital of the Jewish people". (AFP)

Israel recalls ambassador after second UNESCO vote denying Jewish connection to Jerusalem

Hundreds of Jews visited Jerusalem&#39;s Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Tisha B&#39;av, a religious day of mourning, with several expelled for praying, a right restricted to Muslims, police said today. 
 
They said around 400 entered the site in occupied east Jerusalem throughout the day to commemorate the destruction of two ancient temples there. Police expelled 10 Jews from the compound for trying to pray there and arrested another two. 
 
Security at the controversial site had been boosted with hundreds of extra officers ahead of the event, which began on Saturday night.&nbsp;Tens of thousands of Jews also prayed at the adjacent Western Wall during the day. 
 
Advocates for prayer rights for Jews at the esplanade, the holiest site in Judaism and referred to as the Temple Mount, have called on Jews to visit the sensitive area. It is Islam&#39;s third holiest site. 
 
An AFP journalist saw several groups of around 30 Jews visiting the site in the morning and the afternoon, many escorted by police. 
Muslims entering through different gates showed their identity cards to the police, who retained them for some visitors until the end of their visit. 
 
Honenu, an advocacy group that provides legal aid to extremist Jews, said three were held for citing verses from prayer, and another for tearing his shirt, a sign of mourning in Judaism. Jews are allowed to visit the compound but not pray there, and the site has been the scene of regular incidents when Jews try to ignore the rule and Muslims intervene to stop them. 
 
Police said Muslims had gathered around two Jews being expelled by police and began yelling at them. Police pushed them away and three Muslims were &quot;lightly&quot; injured in the scuffle. 
 
Jerusalem has been at the heart of a wave of violence since October in which 219 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have died, according to an AFP count. 
 
Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. 
 
While the number of attacks has declined in recent weeks, Palestinian fears of Israeli intentions to undermine Muslim control of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound were a key factor in the violence erupting 10 months ago. 
 
Palestinians argue that Israel is seeking to change the status quo at the compound, a claim that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly denied. 
 
Israel occupied east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed the territory in a move never recognised by the international community. 
 
(AFP)

Police expelled 10 Jews from the compound for trying to pray and arrested another two. Jews are allowed to visit the compound but not pray

Hundreds of Jews visited Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Tisha B'av, a religious day of mourning, with several expelled for praying, a right restricted to Muslims, police said today. They said around 400 entered the site in occupied east Jerusalem throughout the day to commemorate the destruction of two ancient temples there. Police expelled 10 Jews from the compound for trying to pray there and arrested another two. Security at the controversial site had been boosted with hundreds of extra officers ahead of the event, which began on Saturday night. Tens of thousands of Jews also prayed at the adjacent Western Wall during the day. Advocates for prayer rights for Jews at the esplanade, the holiest site in Judaism and referred to as the Temple Mount, have called on Jews to visit the sensitive area. It is Islam's third holiest site. An AFP journalist saw several groups of around 30 Jews visiting the site in the morning and the afternoon, many escorted by police. Muslims entering through different gates showed their identity cards to the police, who retained them for some visitors until the end of their visit. Honenu, an advocacy group that provides legal aid to extremist Jews, said three were held for citing verses from prayer, and another for tearing his shirt, a sign of mourning in Judaism. Jews are allowed to visit the compound but not pray there, and the site has been the scene of regular incidents when Jews try to ignore the rule and Muslims intervene to stop them. Police said Muslims had gathered around two Jews being expelled by police and began yelling at them. Police pushed them away and three Muslims were "lightly" injured in the scuffle. Jerusalem has been at the heart of a wave of violence since October in which 219 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have died, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. While the number of attacks has declined in recent weeks, Palestinian fears of Israeli intentions to undermine Muslim control of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound were a key factor in the violence erupting 10 months ago. Palestinians argue that Israel is seeking to change the status quo at the compound, a claim that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly denied. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed the territory in a move never recognised by the international community. (AFP)

Jews expelled from Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on mourning day

temple-mount

Temple Mount, News on Temple Mount, stories on Temple Mount, articles on Temple Mount, Temple Mount stories at Wion, Temple Mount news, Temple Mount latest news

temple mount