The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to discuss firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Temple Mount, which drew a flood of international condemnations, Report informs referring to The Times of Israel.
A date has not been set for the Security Council meeting - which was formally requested by the United Arab Emirates and China on behalf of the Palestinian and Jordanian UN missions - but it could take place as early as January 5, a diplomat on the top panel told The Times of Israel.
Ben Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, toured the compound Tuesday morning, decrying the alleged “racism” against Jews at the site and scorning warnings of a significant backlash.
The visit stoked concerns in the Muslim world that Israel’s government would move to change the status quo prohibiting Jewish prayer at the shrine - considered the holiest site in Judaism and third holiest to Muslims, who refer to it as the Al Aqsa Mosque or the Noble Sanctuary - despite repeated vows that the regulations will remain in place.