Fact Check: Israel & The Temple Mount

Despite the narrative of King Abdullah, Israel has and always will safeguard the rights of Jews, Muslims and Christians to worship at its holiest site.

The Temple Mount is a site of great importance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The site has been a source of controversy and conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as both Israelis and Palestinians claim it as their own. Despite these tensions, Israel has continuously maintained an incredible effort to respect non-Jewish religions on the Temple Mount, and this effort is related to its defense in the Six Day War.

In 1967, tensions were high in the Middle East, and war seemed inevitable. Israel was surrounded by hostile Arab nations and was facing the threat of an attack from all sides. In a preemptive strike, Israel launched an attack against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, and within six days, it had won the war. As a result of the war, Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount.

One of the defining features of Israel’s victory in the Six Day War was its respect for non-Jewish religions on the Temple Mount. Despite the fact that Israel had just captured the site, it immediately recognized its importance to Muslims and allowed the Muslim Waqf to maintain and administer the site’s Muslim holy places. Israel respected the Muslim presence on the Temple Mount and allowed Muslims to worship there freely.

Furthermore, Israel recognized the importance of the site to Christians and allowed the Greek Orthodox Church to maintain a presence on the Temple Mount. Israel also recognized the rights of Christian pilgrims to visit the site and to pray there. This respect for non-Jewish religions on the Temple Mount helped to ease tensions between Israel and the Arab world, and it served as a model for other nations around the world.

Israel’s respect for non-Jewish religions on the Temple Mount was not just a matter of diplomacy. It was also a matter of national defense. By showing respect for the religious rights of Muslims and Christians on the Temple Mount, Israel was able to demonstrate that it was not a threat to their way of life. This helped to ease tensions between Israel and the Arab world, and it helped to prevent further conflict.

In conclusion, Israel’s respect for non-Jewish religions on the Temple Mount is a testament to its commitment to religious freedom and tolerance. This commitment is related to its defense in the Six Day War, as it helped to ease tensions between Israel and the Arab world. By showing respect for the religious rights of Muslims and Christians on the Temple Mount, Israel was able to demonstrate that it was not a threat to their way of life. This helped to prevent further conflict and contributed to Israel’s long-term security.

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/view-of-the-dome-of-the-rock-temple-in-jerusalem-11696756/