Russia expects that the new Israeli cabinet will not follow the path of escalation, but will show political will and refuse to take radical steps to create irreversible realities on the ground. Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said this on Thursday, speaking at a meeting of the Security Council of the world organization.
According to the diplomat, the escalation of tensions against the background of the January 3 visit of the Israeli Minister of National Security accompanied by Israeli security forces to the territory of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound causes the most serious concern. "It is difficult to perceive this incident differently in light of the events of 2000, when Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount under the protection of hundreds of police officers served as a 'trigger' for the beginning of the 'Second Intifada,' which killed several thousand people on both sides," he drew attention.
"Once again, we remind you that the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem - the cradle of the three monotheistic religions - and the Holy Sites located there cannot be violated," Nebenzya said. - "We also note the stabilizing role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which is historically responsible for the protection of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem and free access to them. The dispute around the city remains one of the main sources of instability, not only in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also in the entire Middle East. Such steps threaten to permanently 'inflame' the situation and lead to full-scale armed clashes, as we have witnessed more than once."
"In this connection, we urge both sides to show restraint and refrain from provocative steps and unilateral actions," said the Russian permanent representative. - "In particular, we hope that the new Israeli cabinet will not take the path of escalation but will show political will and will refuse radical steps aimed at creating irreversible realities on the ground including demolition of Palestinian houses and confiscation of their property in order to resume the peace process as soon as possible".
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS