Tensions Rise as Israeli Minister Prays at Controversial Jerusalem Site

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent prayer at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound has ignited backlash, complicating an already tense situation at one of the most contested religious sites in the world.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited significant controversy following his visit to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, where he led Jewish prayers, thus challenging a decades-old agreement on the site's use. The compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and located in occupied East Jerusalem, has been a focal point of tension due to its sacred significance for both Jews and Muslims.

Photographs and videos from his visit captured Ben-Gvir conducting prayers at the site, directly contravening a long-standing arrangement that permits Jews to visit but forbids them from praying. The Israeli Prime Minister's office insisted that there would be no shift in their policy, which is purported to uphold the status quo, allowing only Muslim worship at the site.

The reaction to Ben-Gvir’s actions was swift and severe. Jordan, the custodian of the site, denounced the visit as "an unacceptable provocation." Meanwhile, Hamas condemned it as an escalation of aggression against Palestinians, and a representative for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas deemed the occurrence as having breached all lines of respect.

The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is revered as the holiest site for Jews—being the location of the two ancient Biblical temples—while it is the third holiest site in Islam, revered as the place of Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven. Following the 1967 Middle East war, Israel captured the site from Jordan and has since maintained security and access control over the area while allowing Jordan to retain its custodianship.

Palestinians accuse Israel of progressively undermining the existing arrangements, citing instances where Jewish visitors have openly prayed without repercussions from Israeli authorities. The Islamic endowment known as Waqf reported that Ben-Gvir was part of a larger group of over 1,250 Jews who ascended to the compound on the day of his visit.

This visit was reportedly the first time Ben-Gvir openly prayed at the contested site, despite his previous visits. He was escorted by police as he toured the area. During his time there, Ben-Gvir addressed the recent release of video footage showing emaciated hostages held by Hamas, suggesting the videos were an attempt to pressure Israel and reiterating calls for the safe return of those hostages.

In addition, he expressed extreme views, advocating for the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip and promoting what he referred to as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from the territory. Such statements have drawn criticism, with experts warning they could amount to the forced displacement of civilians and potentially represent a war crime. Ben-Gvir has previously faced sanctions from the UK for his repeated calls for violence against Palestinian communities.