Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, has ignited significant backlash following his actions at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a site known to Jews as Temple Mount, which is historically sensitive and has restrictions on Jewish prayer. Despite these restrictions, Ben Gvir led a group of worshippers in prayer to commemorate Tisha B’Av, a day of Jewish mourning that marks the destruction of the ancient temples that once stood at the site.
Ben Gvir, who has a controversial history, including prior convictions related to supporting terrorism and inciting racism, used this occasion to vocally support the idea of “conquering” Gaza and encouraging Palestinians to vacate the enclave. This provocative conduct has drawn condemnation from various groups; the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs urged that his actions disregard the sentiments of Muslims globally. They pointed to ongoing violations of Islamic holy sites by settler groups, citing a systematic plan by the right-wing government to take control of religious sites.
The Jordanian government also condemned Ben Gvir’s actions, labelling them a blatant violation of international law and a provocation that escalates tensions in the region. Additionally, Hamas described the incident as a serious crime against the mosque.
The historical context of the site adds to the complexity of the situation; it is revered as the holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest for Muslims. While both Muslims and Jews can visit, only Muslims have permission to pray there under the long-standing “status quo agreement,” established since Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967.
Ben Gvir’s visit was not unprecedented, as he has previously frequented this site during Tisha B’Av commemorations, but this was the first instance he led prayer there. His recent remarks called for Israel to assert sovereignty over Gaza and eliminate Hamas, as he stated, “Only in this way will we bring back the hostages and win the war.” At the same time, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reassured that the policy regarding the Temple Mount remains unchanged and under government control, distancing itself from individual actions.
Recent international responses have seen significant scrutiny towards Ben Gvir, with the Netherlands declaring him a persona non grata due to his inflammatory remarks against Palestinians. This scrutiny is part of a broader response from several countries, including Australia and the UK, which have imposed sanctions on him and fellow officials for their hardline positions.
The ongoing dispute over Jerusalem and its holy sites remains a focal point of tension between Israelis and Palestinians, with escalating incidents further complicating an already fragile situation.