Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his far-right views, has stirred significant controversy by suggesting he would build a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem if he had the opportunity. This site also referred to as the Temple Mount by Jews, is currently regulated by international agreements that prohibit Jewish prayer there.
Ben Gvir’s proposal has intensified concerns about the fragile balance at the site. He suggested that he would allow Muslims to pray at the Western Wall, an important Jewish site. Still, he implied that similar limitations on Muslim prayers at Al-Aqsa would be seen as discriminatory.
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, a leading preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, strongly condemned Ben Gvir’s statements. Sheikh Sabri stated that the mosque is too sacred to be subjected to the decisions of the Israeli occupation and labeled any potential changes to the current arrangement as “unacceptable.” He emphasized that all Muslims reject such modifications. Read more on Facebook.
In response to these developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has confirmed that there will be no alteration to the status quo at Al-Aqsa. The site remains dedicated exclusively to Islamic practices, with restrictions on non-Muslim visits and rituals still in place. However, there have been instances where Israeli groups, with official backing, have engaged in unauthorized prayers and visits to the site.
Ben Gvir and other far-right politicians have been involved in these contentious actions. Palestinians are concerned that such activities might lead to a division of the mosque, similar to the division seen at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in the 1990s.
The response to Ben Gvir’s comments has been severe. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has criticized these remarks as dangerous and irresponsible, warning that they pose a threat to Israel’s national security. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has cautioned that such statements could damage Israel’s strategic relationships with Muslim countries involved in regional conflicts.
Ultra-Orthodox factions, including members of the Shas party like Arbel, generally oppose increasing the Jewish presence at Al-Aqsa. Many in these communities adhere to rabbinic teachings that advise against visiting the site.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Netanyahu of failing to control his government and criticized Ben Gvir’s remarks as undermining national security. Benny Gantz, who recently left Israel’s war cabinet, has reaffirmed that Israel is committed to preserving the historical status of the Temple Mount and ensuring freedom of worship at the site.
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