“It is impossible to stop the violence without stopping the incitement that leads to violence,” Netanyahu said, referring to the PA call for further unrest. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday morning. (Photo: Amit Shabi/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while making an effort to restore calm to Jerusalem after several violent weeks, has accused Palestinian Authority (PA) head Mahmoud Abbas of fanning the flames for further disturbances.

“Last Thursday I met with King Abdullah and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. We called for a calming of the situation, the restoration of quiet and a halt to incitement and violence. I said that it is impossible to stop the violence without stopping the incitement that leads to violence,” Netanyahu said.

“Less than 24 hours after this meeting in Amman, the official media of the Palestinian Authority called for a day of rage in Jerusalem. Abu Mazen must halt the incitement that leads to acts of violence. This is one of the roots of the inflamed moods that are fueled by Islamist extremist propaganda and propaganda by the Palestinian Authority,” Netanyahu asserted.

Netanyahu to Abbas: Stop this Propaganda Immediately

The Israeli leader demanded that Abbas cease calling for violence, saying: “I call on Abu Mazen [Abbas] to stop this propaganda immediately.”

“In any case, Israel will defend its citizens against acts of violence. We will use all legal means at our disposal, including new legislation, to maintain the security of our citizens and residents,” Netanyahu affirmed.

He dismissed allegations that Israel had intended to overtake the Temple Mount. “Israel is also being challenged by lies being disseminated to the effect that we intend to change the status quo on the Temple Mount – this is a gross lie. We are being challenged by the unwillingness to recognize the right of the Jewish People to a state of its own,” he stated.

Tensions on the Temple Mount

Just last Tuesday, Abbas vowed that the Palestinians will never agree to Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount and accused Israel of dragging the region into a religious war. He continued to praise the Arabs who riot daily on the Temple Mount.

Israel eased the restrictions placed on Muslim entry to the Temple Mount, following agreements achieved during Thursday’s meeting.

As a result of repeated Arab rioting on the Temple Mount, the police had barred the entry of Muslim worshipers under the age of 35 on Fridays, but following Netanyahu’s efforts to achieve calm, all worshipers were allowed in. No disturbances were recorded during the Friday prayers, and Abbas’s incitement this time was ineffective.

How You Can Help Israel and Jerusalem

Israel’s sovereignty in Jerusalem, its capital, has come under increased attack in past weeks. We need to stand together and show the world that Jerusalem is not some bargaining chip in border negotiations or a rally point for terrorists. It is a Holy City meant to provide a beacon of light to all nations under the sovereignty of Israel.

Help us ensure that Jerusalem stays unified. Click HERE to sign The Jerusalem Declaration.

Author: United with Israel Staff