Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked outrage by praying at the highly sensitive Temple Mount area in East Jerusalem, igniting backlash from various groups and raising concerns over the status quo of the holy site.
Israeli Minister Stirs Controversy with Prayer at Key Jerusalem Holy Site
Israeli Minister Stirs Controversy with Prayer at Key Jerusalem Holy Site
Itamar Ben-Gvir's actions at the Temple Mount provoke widespread condemnation amidst heightened tensions.
In a controversial visit, Ben-Gvir led Jewish prayers at the site known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount, despite a long-standing agreement that prohibits non-Muslim worship. His actions were met with swift condemnation from multiple quarters, including Jordan, which manages the site's custodianship. The Jordanian government described the minister's prayer as an "unacceptable provocation," while Hamas accused him of escalating aggression towards the Palestinian people.
The Temple Mount holds deep religious significance, being the holiest site for Jews and the third holiest for Muslims. It was captured from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war and, under current arrangements, Jordan retains its custodial role with Israel responsible for security and access. However, Palestinians allege that Israel has been undermining this arrangement, noting that Jewish visitors have recently been praying at the site without facing any police intervention.
This incident marks a notable escalation in tensions, as Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist known for his contentious views, was flanked by police during his visit. In his statement, Ben-Gvir condemned a video of hostages released by Hamas and reiterated his call for Israel to regain control over the Gaza Strip and push for what he described as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a stance critics warn could lead to forced displacement—potentially a war crime.
Ben-Gvir's actions and rhetoric remain contentious, with prior sanctions imposed on him by the UK for inciting violence against Palestinians. This latest incident serves as a flashpoint in an already tense atmosphere, further complicating the already volatile landscape in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The Temple Mount holds deep religious significance, being the holiest site for Jews and the third holiest for Muslims. It was captured from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war and, under current arrangements, Jordan retains its custodial role with Israel responsible for security and access. However, Palestinians allege that Israel has been undermining this arrangement, noting that Jewish visitors have recently been praying at the site without facing any police intervention.
This incident marks a notable escalation in tensions, as Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist known for his contentious views, was flanked by police during his visit. In his statement, Ben-Gvir condemned a video of hostages released by Hamas and reiterated his call for Israel to regain control over the Gaza Strip and push for what he described as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a stance critics warn could lead to forced displacement—potentially a war crime.
Ben-Gvir's actions and rhetoric remain contentious, with prior sanctions imposed on him by the UK for inciting violence against Palestinians. This latest incident serves as a flashpoint in an already tense atmosphere, further complicating the already volatile landscape in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
