Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has faced intense backlash following his prayer at the highly sensitive holy site located in occupied East Jerusalem. Known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, and to Jews as the Temple Mount, this site has been a contentious focal point within the Middle East for decades. Visual evidence from Ben-Gvir's visit indicates he led Jewish prayers at this location, contrary to a longstanding policy which restricts Jewish prayer at the site.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office reiterated that no alterations to the status quo agreement—which permits only Muslim worship at the site—have been made. However, the implications of Ben-Gvir’s actions have drawn ire from various entities. Jordan, which maintains custodianship of the site, labeled his visit as "an unacceptable provocation." Hamas condemned the prayer as an aggravation to the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians, with President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesperson affirming that the visit "crossed all red lines."
The Temple Mount is revered as the holiest site for Jews due to its biblical significance, while Muslims regard it as the third holiest place, believing it to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Israel gained control of the site from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East conflict, which resulted in current tensions surrounding the historical arrangement.
The recent incursion—one among a large wave of Jewish visitors—has led to Palestinian accusations that Israel is actively undermining established agreements. Reports indicate that, on that same day, Ben-Gvir was accompanied by police while attending the site, marking the first instance where he was openly recorded praying there.
During a statement at the compound, Ben-Gvir responded to recent harrowing video footage released by Hamas of emaciated Israeli hostages, suggesting it was intended to coerce Israel. He reiterated his stance on the need for Israel to reclaim the entirety of the Gaza Strip and advocated for what he described as "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a suggestion experts argue could amount to forced displacement, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. Ben-Gvir's history includes sanctions from the UK for inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied territories.
