Science Minister Ophir Akunis (Likud) has strongly criticized UNESCO for accepting the Palestinian Authority's request not to use the term "Temple Mount" and instead only call the site the "al-Aqsa Mosque."
In a letter to the organization, Akunis wrote: "I was disappointed to read your decision, according to which Jews have no connection to the Temple Mount and the Kotel. The existence of a debate on this is embarrassing and outrageous, but it primarily shows complete ignorance and a lack of historical knowledge.
"Your decision will not change anything and has no real meaning. I would suggest that you visit Israel, the historical homeland of the Jewish People, and to stand near a 3,000-year-old connection between the People and its Land."
UNESCO is the United Nations body dedicated to education, science and culture.