The Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam, sits atop the Temple Mount, a site revered by Jews as the holiest in their faith. This location has long been a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, and any political or religious action taken there often sparks strong reactions from both regional and international actors.
Ben-Gvir’s visit is being seen as a direct challenge to the longstanding status quo governing the site, which restricts non-Muslim prayer. His actions have deepened diplomatic rifts and raised concerns about a potential flare-up of violence in the already volatile region.
Details of the Visit
Ben-Gvir’s unannounced visit came just after the end of a nearly two-week period during Ramadan, when Jewish visits to the site are traditionally restricted.
The Temple Mount is the most sacred site in Judaism, believed to be the location of the First and Second Temples mentioned in the Bible. For Muslims, it is known as Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) and is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
According to Israeli media reports, Ben-Gvir entered the compound early in the morning, accompanied by a heavy security detail. He is reported to have prayed at the site, an act seen as highly controversial.
Speaking to reporters after his visit, he stated:
“I came here to pray for the welfare of our soldiers, for the swift return of all hostages, and for total victory with God’s help.”
This statement has been interpreted as a politically charged message, especially in the context of the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the war against Hamas.
International Reactions
Ben-Gvir’s visit was met with immediate and widespread condemnation from multiple countries and international bodies:
Saudi Arabia:
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement condemning the visit, calling it a:
“flagrant violation of international norms and a provocation to Muslims worldwide.”
The statement further demanded that Israel respect the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa and warned that such actions could lead to further instability in the region.
Jordan:
The Jordanian government, which has custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, also strongly criticized the visit. Officials in Amman warned that:
“Repeated violations of the holy site could lead to further escalation and violence.”
Jordan has been one of the most vocal defenders of the status quo at Al-Aqsa and has frequently clashed with Israel over such visits in the past.
Palestinian Authority:
Palestinian officials labeled the visit:
“An unprecedented provocation that must be stopped immediately.”
They called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent further such incidents, arguing that Ben-Gvir’s visit is part of a larger Israeli effort to change the status quo of the site.
Historical Context & Growing Tensions
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. Under a long-standing agreement, the site is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation (the Waqf), and non-Muslim prayer is officially prohibited.
However, Jewish activists and right-wing Israeli politicians have increasingly pushed for expanded Jewish access to the site. Some, including Ben-Gvir, have openly called for allowing Jewish prayer there—something that Palestinians see as a violation of the status quo and a threat to their national and religious rights.
Israeli security forces have frequently clashed with Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa, particularly during religious holidays. Past incidents have led to escalations of violence, including the 11-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2021.
Israeli Government’s Position
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement following the visit, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to the status quo at holy sites. However, the statement did not directly address Ben-Gvir’s actions.
While Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that his government does not seek to change the status quo, Ben-Gvir—a far-right nationalist and a key coalition partner—has openly advocated for Jewish prayer rights at the Temple Mount. His position directly contradicts official government policy and has put Netanyahu in a difficult diplomatic position.
Opposition leaders and Israeli security officials have warned that such actions risk:
- Inflaming tensions with Arab nations
- Triggering Palestinian protests or violent confrontations
- Harming Israel’s diplomatic relations with the U.S. and other allies
Potential Implications & Risks
Ben-Gvir’s visit comes at a highly sensitive time:
- Israeli military operations in Gaza continue following the October 2024 war with Hamas
- Hamas and other militant groups have warned that violations of Al-Aqsa could lead to a new round of violence
- The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, could face renewed strain
Many experts warn that this visit could lead to fresh clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police, particularly during upcoming religious holidays.
In the wider Middle East, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states may reassess their diplomatic engagement with Israel if tensions at Al-Aqsa escalate further.
Conclusion
The international community is closely watching the situation, urging all parties to:
✅ Exercise restraint
✅ Respect the sanctity of religious sites
✅ Avoid actions that could further destabilize the region
With tensions already running high, Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa has once again put the spotlight on the deeply rooted and fragile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether this incident will remain a diplomatic flashpoint or escalate into further violence remains to be seen.
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