Netanyahu backs police amid Jerusalem clashes, vows ‘freedom of worship for all’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu makes his first comments on today’s major clashes in Jerusalem and its flashpoint Temple Mount holy site.

“This is a battle between tolerance and intolerance, between lawless violence and order,” he says. “Elements that want to expropriate our rights periodically force us to stand strong, like Israel’s police officers are doing. I back the officers in this just struggle.”

“This isn’t a new struggle, it has been waged for hundreds of years,” the premier continues. “Each time, one side ruled and prevented the worship of another religion. Only Israeli sovereignty enabled freedom of worship for all.”

President Reuven Rivlin says that “today more than ever, the State of Israel respects freedom of worship and will continue to do so and stand against disruptions of order, terror activities and terror support.

“Jerusalem is dearer to us than anything. This is the time to make sure that Jerusalem is respected by all those who love it.”