UN Security Council to hold emergency session over situation with Temple Mount

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.