Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to maintain the status quo at the hilltop compound in Jerusalem and urged lawmakers to show restraint in the wake of the volatile situation existing in the city.
Last week, the Israeli police had shot dead 32-year-old Palestinian Moataz Hijazi suspected of killing far-right Jewish activist, Yehuda Glick. The incident provoked fierce clashes between the Palestinians and Israeli police in East Jerusalem. Israel also announced closure of the hilltop compound, a site venerated by both Jews and Muslims. Jews call the compound Temple mount, whereas Muslims refer to it as the Noble Sanctuary.
"Since the days of Abraham, the Temple Mount has been the holiest site for our people and with this, the Temple Mount is also the most sensitive kilometer on earth," Netanyahu said at his weekly cabinet meeting.
"Alongside our determined stance for our rights, we are determined to maintain the status quo for all the religions in order to prevent an eruption," he added, reported Fox News citing the Associated Press.
Netanyahu said it was easy to incite religious violence but difficult to stop it once it spreads.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has called for banning Jews from the holy site, welcomed Netanyahu's determination to ensure the status quo at the hilltop compound. He also warned that the security and stability of the entire region will be affected if people with hardline views violated the existing rules.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Moshe Feiglin visited the hilltop compound on Sunday. On Saturday, Feiglin along with his supporters held a prayer rally for Glick in Jerusalem.
"I don't accept anyone threatening us here in the land of Israel, saying the situation is volatile and therefore we mustn't go up," Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel, of the far-right Jewish Home party, said at the rally, reports Reuters.
