A renewed visit by Israeli right-wing security minister Ben-Gvir to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem has sparked heavy criticism. Jordan spoke of a dangerous provocation, the Palestinians of an open attack.
In the midst of the tense situation between Israelis and Palestinians for months, Israel’s far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has again visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. During the visit, Ben-Gvir said, “I look forward to visiting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the most important place for the Jewish people.” He praised the work of the police.
All threats from Hamas will not help, we are the master of the house in Jerusalem and in all the land of Israel.
Jordan: provocation and escalation
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the far-right minister’s visit as a dangerous provocation and an unacceptable escalation. A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the visit “an open attack on the holy site, which will have serious consequences,” according to the Wafa news agency. Damaging the Al-Aqsa Mosque means playing with fire, and this will affect the region into a religious war with unimaginable consequences.”
Ben-Gvir wants access for praying Jews
The police minister last visited the Temple Mount in January, shortly after taking office, fueling fears of a renewed escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. But it is also sacred to Jews because there used to be two Jewish temples there. Jordan is the custodian of the Holy Places of Islam in Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is under Muslim administration while Israel is responsible for security. Jews are allowed to visit the facility, but not pray there.
Ben-Gvir is committed to giving Jews more access to the facility. Palestinians fear Israel wants to increase its control of the holy site.