The far-right national security minister of Israel, Itamar Ben Gvir, caused controversy by claiming that Jewish prayer is allowed in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Speaking at a conference titled “Israeli Return to Temple Mount”, he asserted that the political leadership supported Jewish prayer at the holy site, despite longstanding restrictions.
The site, believed to be the location of ancient Jewish temples, is currently off-limits for Jewish prayer according to the status quo in Jerusalem. However, religious Zionist groups have advocated for changing this policy, prompting debate and criticism.
Ben Gvir’s comments were met with backlash, even within the ruling coalition. His stance on Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque was condemned as a violation of Jewish law and a threat to the status quo.
His visits to the mosque have raised tensions, with concerns that they could provoke conflict. This has historical precedent, as a visit by Ariel Sharon in 2000 sparked the Second Intifada, leading to widespread violence.
In this delicate moment, Ben Gvir’s remarks have been seen as potentially incendiary, with accusations of him seeking to ignite a Third Intifada. The issue remains a contentious and sensitive one in Israeli politics.
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