President Reuven Rivlin speaks with Turkey’s Erdogan over objections by Israel’s Foreign Ministry – Jewish Telegraphic Agency

JERUSALEM (JTA) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey by phone at the Turkish presidents request despite objections from Israels Foreign Ministry.

The call took place a week after a terror attack at the Temple Mount by three Arab Israelis left two Druze Israel Police officers dead and led to the installation of metal detectors at the holy site, sparking tensions and riots in eastern Jerusalem.

Rivlin told Erdogan the attack was intolerable, and crossed a red line which endangered the ability of all of us to live together, according to a readout from the Presidents Office.

He also reminded Erdogan that following a terror attack in Turkey, the State of Israel was quick to condemn those criminal acts. Rivlin said Israel expected to hear similar condemnation from Turkey,with the understanding that terror was terrorwherever it took place in Jerusalem, in Istanbul or in Paris.

Rivlin stressed that Israel was maintaining and would continue to maintain the status quo at the holy sites, according to the Presidents Office.

Erdogan told Rivlin that Muslims should be able to enter the Al-Aqsa mosque without restrictions within the framework of freedom of religion and worship, the Turkish Anadolu news agency reported.

Erdogan also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, telling him The protection of the Islamic character and sanctity of Al-Quds [Jerusalem] and Al-Haram al-Sharif [Al-Aqsa mosque complex] is important for the whole Muslim world, Anadolu reported.

Erdogans office contacted Rivlins office Wednesday night to arrange the phone call. The Foreign Ministry in its objection said it would give Erdogan a role in the Temple Mount issue, Haaretz reported.

Rivlin decided to go forward with the call, saying it was important to answer requests for dialogue from the regions leaders, The Times of Israel reported.

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President Reuven Rivlin speaks with Turkey's Erdogan over objections by Israel's Foreign Ministry - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

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