Five influential Israeli rabbis have condemned Jewish prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem, asserting that the holy site is still off-limits to Jews. The controversial visit by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, along with thousands of Jewish worshippers, sparked global criticism for violating the ban on non-Muslim prayer at the site, known to Jews as Temple Mount.
The compound holds great significance for both Islam and Judaism, serving as a symbol of Palestinian identity and the holiest site in Judaism. Despite pressure from hardline religious nationalists, Orthodox rabbis, including Rabbi David Cohen and Avigdor Nebenzahl, reaffirmed the prohibition against entering the Temple Mount due to religious concerns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also denounced Ben Gvir’s actions, labeling it a violation of the established status quo. The tensions surrounding the visit come amidst ongoing conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and threats from Iran and regional allies.
Criticism poured in from Muslim nations, the US, EU, and UN, denouncing the actions of Ben Gvir and his supporters at Al-Aqsa. Despite these challenges, the majority of Jewish people in Israel and worldwide stand against such provocations at the holy site.