Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir caused controversy by expressing his desire to build a synagogue at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, challenging government policy and sparking outrage. The Al-Aqsa compound holds significance as the third holiest site in Islam and Judaism’s holiest place, known as the Temple Mount.
Ben Gvir, known for disobeying the ban on Jewish prayer at the site, stated in an interview that he would place an Israeli flag at the compound and build a synagogue if he could. This defiance of the current status quo has led to tensions, with Palestinian reactions escalating at the compound.
Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, criticized Ben Gvir’s statements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the status quo. Palestinian leaders and Hamas also condemned his actions, emphasizing the sanctity of the holy site.
Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the compound, where he prayed and expressed opposition to a ceasefire in the Gaza war, has further fueled the controversy surrounding his actions.
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