Blinken to urge ‘upholding historic status quo’ on Temple Mount during visit to Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference at the State Department, January 17, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference at the State Department, January 17, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will urge Israeli authorities to maintain the status quo on the Temple Mount during his visit to the region on Monday and Tuesday, following a brief trip to Egypt.

According to a statement from State Department spokesman Ned Price, Blinken will “underscore the urgent need for the parties to take steps to deescalate tensions.”

The US secretary of state will also “discuss the importance of upholding the historic status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem, in words and in actions,” says Price.

Price says Blinken is set to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and other senior officials, as well as with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during his visit next week.

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