To Take Strict Action Against Pilgrims, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: Blasphemy And Unreceived

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Wikimedia Commons/kmu.gov.ua/men's

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed zero tolerance for attacks on pilgrims after a video showed Jewish pilgrims spat on Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem's Old City.

A video circulating on social media shows ultra-Orthodox Jews walking to the ground, as pilgrims carry crosses along Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a route Christians believe is the path Jesus went before being crossed.

"I strongly condemn any attempts that harm the congregation, and we will take urgent action against these actions," Prime Minister Netanyahu said.

"Offensive behavior towards worshipers is blasphemy and unacceptable. We will show no tolerance for any losses to congregants," he continued.

However, PM Netanyahu did not mention specific attacks in his message.

The video follows a recent publication of similar footage showing people who insult or act aggressively against Christians in the Old City.

After occupying Palestine in 1967, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, including the Old City, an act never recognized by the international community.

The Old City remains the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as tensions between the three major monotheistic religions in the world.

Last month, Jerusalem's Latin Patriark, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa said, although the attack on Christians in Kota Tua was "not a new phenomenon", the attack had more often occurred "in recent times".

Pizzaballa, which Pope Francis inaugurated as cardinal on Saturday, said there were many reasons for this increase, including education.

"There are some movements, as well as someonomy, inciting this, or at least agreeing to this," he said.

"We must not forget that the past relationship between Jews and Christians is not simple, diplomatic and all of this creates this context," he explained.

The Archbishop also said the frequency "this phenomenon has something to do with, at least temporarily, with the current government (Israel)".

On Tuesday, West Wall Rabi Shmuel Rabinowitz strongly condemned "violence against believers in the Old City and all forms of violence".

"We must do everything in our power to preserve the Kota Tua building," he exclaimed to the leaders of all religions.