Mohammed Barakeh, the head of the High Follow-Up Committee for Palestinian citizens of Israel, yesterday accused Israel of exploiting the ongoing tension over Al-Aqsa Mosque to further incite Palestinians, Quds Press reported.

Barakeh noted that Israel is targeting leaders who “maintain the interests of the people and their national and religious rights,” and who reject the ongoing violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“The notable thing in this incitement campaign is that the top Israeli political leaders are practicing it,” he said, adding that MKs and extremist settlers are the primary players in the campaign.

However, Barakeh added that the campaign will not deter the Palestinians.

“We are worried about incitement, but we are not afraid of it,” he said. “This is an existing battle and all plans to domesticate us will fail.”

He called on Palestinians in Israel to be cautious, but to “remain persistent,” stressing that their political stance is an “unalienable part of the resistance” of the Palestinian people anywhere.

Addressing the Israeli government’s demand for Arab leaders to condemn the latest wave of Palestinian resistance. Barakeh said: “This is a failed attempt to indict us because the prime responsibility for the bloodshed of both Arabs and Jews is [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.”

He stressed that Netanyahu’s policy of ignoring recommendations from all sides, including the leaders of his security institution, would only escalate the situation.

Barakeh’s comments come amid growing tensions at the Al Aqsa mosque compound, which has seen daily demonstrations and confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Tensions were fuelled in occupied East Jerusalem's Old City after Israel shut down Al Aqsa Mosque compound for the first time since 1969, alongside heightened security measures, after a deadly gun battle between Palestinian citizens of Israel and Israeli forces.