Amidst ceasefire negotiations, Israel’s extremist national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, made a provocative visit to the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a holy site for both Muslims and Jews. He recorded a video claiming to pray for the return of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants without making any “reckless deals”.
Ben-Gvir expressed his determination for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue the military campaign in Gaza, resisting international pressure to sign a ceasefire agreement. His actions drew condemnation from the Jordanian foreign ministry and Israeli interior minister Moshe Arbel.
The politically charged visit signifies ongoing tensions in the region, as well as the complex dynamics surrounding control of holy sites in Jerusalem. This move by Ben-Gvir, known for his ultranationalist views, is seen as a display of triumphalism and a challenge to peace negotiations.
The sensitive nature of the al-Aqsa compound has historically sparked protests and violence, especially when visited by Israeli officials. The delicate balance at the site has been disrupted by the rise of extremist Israeli settlers, as noted by Jerusalem expert Daniel Seidemann.
The visit by Ben-Gvir reflects a larger trend of nationalistic fervor within Netanyahu’s government, with hardline ministers opposing ceasefire agreements and advocating for continued military action in Gaza.
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