Netanyahu: Struggle over Jerusalem may be long, but we must act with composure

Prime minister holds discussion over rising tensions in Jerusalem, orders increased forces around holy city.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu at a meeting about Jerusalem (photo credit: AMOS BEN GERSHOM, GPO)
Netanyahu at a meeting about Jerusalem
(photo credit: AMOS BEN GERSHOM, GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday morning, following the shooting of Yehuda Glick, that the struggle in Jerusalem may be long and drawn out but calm must be reinstated.
The prime minister held a special meeting on the shooting and increase in tensions and violence in Jerusalem. In attendance were the defense minister, security minister, the head of the Shin Bet, the police chief, the mayor of Jerusalem and IDF representatives, among other officials.
Netanyahu opened the meeting by sending wishes to Glick and thanked the police for quickly finding the terrorist responsible.
"A few days ago I said that we are standing before a wave of incitement by radical Islamists and also by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who said we must limit Jewish entry to the Temple Mount. I still haven't heard any condemnation of these provocations from the international community. The international community needs to stop its hypocrisy and act against those who provoke the situation, those who want to change the status quo," he said.
He continued and said he is preparing for increased tensions in the holy city.
"I have ordered a major increase in presence of forces...so that we can maintain a safe Jerusalem and also keep the status quo in holy sites."
Netanyahu concluded by saying that "the struggle here can be long and drawn out, but here, like all the other struggles, we need to put out the flames. Neither side needs to take the law into their hands, we need to act calmly, responsibly and decisively."
Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who holds dual US and Israeli citizenship and is the spokesman for the Joint Committee of Temple Organizations – was in serious condition after being shot in front of the capital’s Menachem Begin Heritage Center Wednesday night.
According to police, the shooting took place at approximately 10:30 p.m. outside the memorial center, located near the Old City by a suspect riding a motor bike who fled the scene.