Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on the Israeli Arab sector to reject rumors Israel plans to dig beneath the Temple Mount.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting Monday in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said such rumors are created by an extreme minority spreading lies, Ynetnews.com said.

It is the first time Netanyahu has publicly referred to the Temple Mount violence that plagued the capital last week, leading to a number of arrests and forcing Israel to impose restrictions on Muslim worshippers attending prayers.

"I want to make it clear that these are lies, and I call on the majority of Arabs in Israel not to believe these lies," Netanyahu was quoted saying.

The prime minister said he believes the vast majority of Israeli Arabs had not been fooled, the Web site said.

"I want to tell the Arab citizens of Israel, those who want to lead normal lives, that you are part of the state of Israel. The government is working to make certain that you enjoy full equality in every field, be it education, economy, employment or infrastructure," Netanyahu was quoted saying.

Zahi Nujidat of the Islamic Movement said he was amused by Netanyahu's remarks.

Israeli police lifted restrictions on the Temple Mount Sunday, allowing Muslim worshippers of all ages to attend prayers, the Web site said.