Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited outrage following his prayers at the controversial Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Temple Mount, located in occupied East Jerusalem. This site is deemed sacred by both Jews and Muslims, making it one of the most sensitive locations in the Middle East.
During his visit, which included leading Jewish prayers, Ben-Gvir was accompanied by police while videos and photos of the event circulated on social media. The Israeli Prime Minister's office promptly stated that there had been no alteration to the long-standing status quo, which prohibits Jewish prayer at the site while allowing only Muslim worship.
The site holds immense significance for both religious groups: it is the holiest location for Jews as it was where the two Biblical temples once stood, while Muslims regard it as the third holiest site, believing it was the ascension point for the Prophet Muhammad. Control of the site shifted to Israel after the 1967 Middle East war, and Jordan has since been responsible for its custodianship while Israel manages security and access.
Palestinian officials were quick to respond, condemning Ben-Gvir's actions as a provocation. Jordan's government labeled the visit "unacceptable," and Hamas decried it as further aggression against the Palestinian population. A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed that Ben-Gvir’s actions had "crossed all red lines."
The Islamic Waqf, which administers the site, reported that Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jewish visitors to the compound that day. Critics and experts fear that such actions from government officials could destabilize the equilibrium at a site already fraught with religious and political tensions.
Ben-Gvir, known for his ultra-nationalist stance, has made previous visits to the compound, but this instance marked the first time he prayed openly there. In his statements during the visit, he referred to video footage of hostages released by Hamas and reiterated calls for more severe measures against Palestinian communities, including the controversial notion of encouraging "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza—a stance that has drawn criticism and accusations of potential war crimes.
The ongoing events reflect the fragile nature of peace in the region, as the actions of influential political figures continue to influence the dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians.
