A far-right Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, led hundreds of Jewish Israelis to a very sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, which both Jews and Muslims consider sacred. Many of the Jewish visitors prayed there, even though the Israeli government has a long-standing rule against Jewish prayer at the site. The visit has been criticized as provocative by Palestinian leaders and countries like the US, France, and several Arab states.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that there has been no change to the rule that only Muslims are allowed to worship at the site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Despite this, Ben-Gvir, who is the National Security Minister, insisted that his policy is to allow Jewish prayer.
The site is extremely important to both religions. For Jews, it is the holiest place because of the two Biblical temples that once stood there. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site, as they believe it is where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
This area has a long and complicated history. It is located in East Jerusalem, which Israel took from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war. Although Israel controls security and access, Jordan has continued its role as the custodian of the site. However, Palestinians accuse Israel of trying to change the rules, especially since Jewish visitors have been seen praying without being stopped by Israeli police.
Videos shared on social media showed groups of Jewish Israelis singing the Israeli national anthem and praying at the site. Ben-Gvir, escorted by Israeli police, said that “great progress” had been made in Israel’s control over the area and that Israel “must win the war” in Gaza. He also stated that Israel should not engage in ceasefire talks, aiming instead to defeat Hamas.
In response, the Palestinian foreign ministry expressed serious concern, warning that these actions could have dangerous consequences for the region. Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia also condemned the visit, stating that it violated international law. The United States and France criticized the visit as well, with the US Secretary of State saying it showed “blatant disregard” for the rules about the holy sites in Jerusalem.
The BBC highlights that these actions could lead to increased tensions at a time when efforts are being made to secure a ceasefire and stabilize the region.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg58yj57jdeo