Outrage Over Israel’s Far-Right Minister’s Comments on Temple Mount

Controversial Comments from Israel’s Far-Right Minister

The recent statements from Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have sparked significant outrage. In a provocative interview on Israeli Army Radio, he expressed his desire to construct a synagogue at a highly disputed religious site in Jerusalem. This area has long been a contentious flashpoint between Jewish and Muslim communities.

When asked if he would support the establishment of a temple at this sacred site, known as the Aqsa Mosque complex to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews, Ben-Gvir emphatically responded, “Yes, yes, yes!” His affirmations come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of resolution. Recent cease-fire negotiations in Cairo between Israeli and Hamas officials concluded without any agreement.

Following Ben-Gvir’s remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly issued a statement reaffirming that there would be no changes to the existing status quo at the site, which has historical significance as the location of two ancient Jewish temples. The prospect of building a third temple is viewed as deeply provocative and offensive to the Muslim community.

Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were swift to condemn Ben-Gvir’s comments. In a joint statement, Jordan and Egypt emphasized that achieving a cease-fire was essential to alleviate the “grave escalation” in the region. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Ben-Gvir’s statements as “an explicit and blatant call to demolish the mosque and construct the so-called Temple in its place.”

Moderate Israeli leaders have distanced themselves from Ben-Gvir’s incendiary remarks. Several officials have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to take measures to discipline or rein in Ben-Gvir’s provocations. Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant expressed concern on social media, stating, “Challenging the status quo on the Temple Mount is a dangerous, unnecessary and irresponsible act. Ben-Gvir’s actions endanger the national security of the State of Israel and its international status.”

There exists a complex agreement governing access to the site, which officially allows Jews to visit but prohibits them from praying there. Despite this, Israel has quietly permitted some prayer activities. Jewish worshipers are encouraged to pray at the nearby Western Wall instead.

In a series of provocations, Ben-Gvir recently violated this agreement by leading a public demonstration where he and approximately 2,000 supporters engaged in prayers at the site. He argued during the interview that the restrictions on Jewish prayer were discriminatory in nature.

Earlier in June, Ben-Gvir participated in a large procession of tens of thousands of Jews celebrating Israel’s capture of the eastern part of Jerusalem during the 1967 conflict. During the interview, he candidly acknowledged his ambitions while recognizing his current limitations. “It’s not as if I do whatever I like in the Temple Mount,” he stated. “If this were the case, the Israeli flag would have hung over the Temple Mount a long time ago.”