Jerusalem (Capital of Israel): National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited widespread criticism after stating he would build a Jewish synagogue on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem if he could. Ben-Gvir’s comments have heightened concerns about the Muslim holy site’s safety and its significance as a Palestinian national symbol.
In an interview with Army Radio, Ben-Gvir, known for defying the Israeli government’s ban on Jewish prayer at the site, suggested he would raise an Israeli flag and construct a synagogue at the compound, which Jews refer to as the Temple Mount. When repeatedly asked if he would build a synagogue there, he eventually responded, “Yes.”
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site, is a deeply symbolic location for Palestinians and is administered by Jordan, though Israeli security forces control access. The site also holds historical significance for Jews as the location of the First and Second Temples, the latter destroyed in 70 AD.
Under the current status quo, Jews and other non-Muslims can visit the compound during specified hours but are not allowed to pray or display religious symbols there. Ben-Gvir’s stance has drawn criticism from Orthodox Jews, who consider the site too sacred for Jewish entry. Leading rabbis have declared it forbidden for Jews to enter the area due to its sanctity.
Ben-Gvir’s actions and statements have been condemned by various Israeli officials. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called the minister’s actions “dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” warning they could jeopardize Israel’s national security. Opposition leader Yair Lapid argued that Ben-Gvir’s repeated comments indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost control of his government.”
Internationally, Ben-Gvir’s remarks have also sparked backlash. Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reaffirmed that Al-Aqsa is a Muslim place of worship and warned that Jordan would take legal action in international courts to protect the holy sites. The Palestinian presidency and Hamas both condemned the comments, with Hamas urging Arab and Islamic countries to protect the holy sites.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called on Israel to adhere to its responsibilities as an occupying power and to avoid statements that could escalate tensions. They noted that such remarks threaten efforts to achieve a truce in the Gaza Strip and undermine the future of a two-state solution.
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The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is located in East Jerusalem, which is internationally recognized as part of the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel controls access to the site, but the compound itself is administered by the Jordanian Islamic Waqf, a religious trust. This arrangement is part of the status quo agreement established after the 1967 Six-Day War, where Jordan retained custodianship of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem despite Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.
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