Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir Stirs Controversy with Prayer at Contested Jerusalem Holy Site
In a contentious move that has sparked global condemnation, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a group of worshippers in prayer at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday. This site, revered as the holiest in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam, is governed by a decades-old agreement that prohibits Jewish worship within its confines.
The visit coincided with Tisha B’Av, a significant day of mourning for Jews marking the destruction of ancient temples on the same land. During his time there, Ben Gvir, who has a history of supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism in Israel, called for the conquest of Gaza and encouraged Palestinians to leave the enclave.
The complex’s sensitive nature has long been a source of contention, with Muslims traditionally being the only faith group permitted to pray there. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs swiftly denounced Ben Gvir, labeling him an “extremist” and asserting that his actions disregard the feelings of Muslims worldwide, particularly in Palestine.
Similar condemnation came from Jordan, which administers the holy site, and Saudi Arabia. The Jordanian foreign ministry described the incident as a violation of international law, unacceptable provocation, and an escalating offense. Hamas, a prominent Palestinian political group, also denounced the move, deeming it a grave crime against the mosque.
The compound’s location in East Jerusalem is a significant point of contention for Palestinians who aspire to establish their future state’s capital there. Most of the international community considers the eastern sector of the city as being under Israeli occupation.
Despite the backlash, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount, stating that this policy will not change. Historically, the PMO has emphasized that decisions regarding the site are made by the Israeli government and its prime minister, not individuals.
While at the site, Ben Gvir prayed for Israel’s complete victory in any conflict and the safe return of all hostages, as reported by his office. In a video recorded at the compound, he advocated for the complete conquest of Gaza, declaring sovereignty over the region, eliminating Hamas members, and encouraging voluntary emigration as key steps towards achieving these goals.
This incident comes shortly after Ben Gvir was declared persona non grata by the Netherlands for inciting violence against Palestinians, advocating for the expansion of illegal settlements, and calling for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. Previously, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on him, as well as Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in June.