In a move that is expected to escalate tensions with the Palestinians, Itamar Ben-Gvir, an extremist Israeli Cabinet minister and the National Security Minister, made a visit to a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem on Sunday. According to reports by Mid-Day, the site, known as the Temple Mount to Jews and Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslims, holds great religious significance for multiple faiths. Ben-Gvir's visit marks his second known visit since joining Israel's right-leaning government.
During his visit, Ben-Gvir expressed his satisfaction and stated, "I am happy to come up to the Temple Mount, the most important place for the Israeli people." He further praised the police presence at the site, emphasizing that it demonstrated who holds authority in Jerusalem. However, this visit is viewed by Palestinians as provocative, potentially indicating Israel's intention to seize control of the compound.
The visit by Ben-Gvir comes shortly after Jerusalem Day, which commemorates Israel's capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. During the celebration, nationalist demonstrators carrying flags marched through Jerusalem's Old City, including the main Palestinian area, with some chanting racist anti-Arab slogans. Additionally, hundreds of Jewish individuals visited the contentious hilltop shrine.
The Temple Mount is revered as the holiest site in Judaism, where the ancient biblical Temples once stood, while also housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. Jewish visitors have been allowed to visit the site since Israel gained control in 1967, but praying is strictly prohibited. However, there has been a rise in a Jewish movement supporting worship at the site, which has generated tensions with the Palestinians.
Past confrontations at the disputed compound have contributed to outbreaks of violence. A notable example is the visit to the site by then-opposition leader Ariel Sharon in September 2000, which triggered clashes and led to the second Palestinian uprising. Similarly, clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian demonstrators at and near the site played a role in the 11-day conflict with Hamas in 2021.
Israel gained control of the Old City of Jerusalem, including its religiously significant sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, along with the rest of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians aspire to establish an independent state in these territories, designating East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israel considers the entire city its undivided and eternal capital, despite international non-recognition of its annexation of East Jerusalem.
Ben-Gvir's visit to the holy site has drawn condemnations from Palestinians and neighboring Jordan, which acts as the custodian of the site. Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh called it a "blatant attack" on the mosque, while Jordan's Foreign Ministry described it as a "provocative step that is condemned, and a dangerous and unacceptable escalation."
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to hold a special session near the Western Wall, the holiest site for Jewish prayer, to mark Jerusalem Day.
(With AP Inputs)
