Author: Ruth Michaelson in Jerusalem
The tension between Israel and the US has escalated as Vice President Kamala Harris demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during her meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Harris emphasized the importance of ending the conflict while ensuring security for Israel and dignity for Palestinians. However, Israeli officials criticized Harris for potentially jeopardizing negotiations to free hostages in Gaza. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, rejected the idea of a ceasefire, aligning with Netanyahu’s stance. The prime minister’s recent visit to the US stirred controversy as he refrained from declaring a ceasefire and faced backlash for delaying negotiations to…
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,…