JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s president says the country has not and will not alter the status quo at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site and that any “lies” being spread to the contrary are aimed at inciting violence.
Speaking to foreign journalists on Wednesday, Reuven Rivlin sought to soothe tensions after a week of bloody attacks that have killed several Israelis and Palestinians.
At the heart of the recent tensions is a hilltop compound revered by Muslims and Jews. There have been several days of clashes at the site over the past few weeks as Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa mosque while hurling stones, firebombs and fireworks at police.
Many Palestinians believe that Israel is trying to expand a Jewish presence at the site, a claim Israel adamantly denies.
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