Speaking to Channel 10 News, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon expressed his opposition to the recent increase in Jewish activities on Har Habayis. He added that MKs and ministers who are taking advantage of their status only incite the current delicate situation.

The senior minister added “We have the right to ascend to Har Habayis as we have done and continue to do. However there is a status quo agreement with Jordan and we must abide by it. The fact the other side is taking advantage and engaging in provocation is true but we must not incite the situation”.

Channel 10:

What do you think about Moshe Feiglin, a Member of Knesset from your party, visiting Har Habayis last week?

Ya’alon:

It is his right to do so. He has the right. However when one does so in a provocative manner, announcing his planned visit ahead of time on the internet, he shreds the status quo that we in the government are compelled to uphold. Clearly such actions are incitement”.

“For as long as the status quo has not changed there is no place to speak about Jews davening on Har Habayis”.

Feiglin in Response:

When elected officials are requested not to visit Har Habayis after the attempted assassination of Rabbi Yehudi Glick the security establishment is blaming them with escalating the situation. When citizens are run over you set concrete barriers into place. When police fire at a terrorist armed with a knife, the system blames the policemen instead of the armed suspect. The time has come to realize we are at war”.

Feiglin adds “One does not win a war with concrete blocks on the sidewalks. One does not win by giving a prize to those who wish to throw us off of Har Habayis. Wars are not one by blaming police who carry out their duties. Decide to win or decide to become a victim”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)