Israeli Minister's Prayer at Holy Site Provokes Outrage and Tensions Flare

Itamar Ben-Gvir's actions violate longstanding agreements surrounding Jerusalem's sacred sites, igniting widespread condemnation from Islamic and Palestinian authorities.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked outrage following his visit to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem where he publicly prayed, breaching a multi-decade tradition. Visuals capturing Ben-Gvir conducting Jewish prayers at the site, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount in occupied East Jerusalem, have surfaced online, igniting a storm of criticism.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office quickly responded, asserting that Israel's policy maintains an established status quo that permits Jewish access to the site but prohibits prayer. Jordan's government, tasked with the site's custodianship, denounced Ben-Gvir's actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Additionally, Hamas criticized the visit as an exacerbation of ongoing aggressions against the Palestinian populace. A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also expressed that the visit amounted to crossing significant boundaries.

The al-Aqsa Mosque compound holds profound religious significance, being the holiest site for Jews, linked to two historical Biblical temples, and the third holiest for Muslims, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Israel captured the area from Jordan during the 1967 conflict, with Jordan retaining its custodial role while Israel managed security and access.

Many Palestinians have accused Israel of undermining existing arrangements, expressing concern that in recent years, Jewish visitors—sometimes seen praying—have not been chastised by Israeli authorities. According to reports, Ben-Gvir’s presence was notable as he was one of 1,250 Jews who entered the compound on the recent Sunday morning visit.

Known for his ultra-nationalist views and as the head of police, Ben-Gvir has visited al-Aqsa previously but this occasion marks the first he has prayed openly there. Accompanied by police officers, he made a statement regretting the "horror" video of hostages released by Hamas, highlighting the urgency for their return. Furthermore, he reiterated his stance advocating for Israel's occupation of the entire Gaza Strip and suggested promoting what he referred to as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from that territory. Critics condemn this strategy as a potential act of forced displacement and a possible war crime.

With ongoing heightened tensions, the implications of Ben-Gvir's actions continue to spark allegations of violence and incitement against Palestinian communities, exacerbating the already fragile environment in this contentious region.