Israel: Israel’s new far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir briefly visited Al-Aqsa Masjid compound in Jerusalem, a site also revered by Jews, prompting fierce condemnation from Palestinians and several Arab countries. “Temple Mount is open to all,” Ben-Gvir said on Twitter, using Jewish name for site. Video footage showed him strolling at periphery of compound, surrounded by heavy security detail and flanked by fellow Orthodox Jew.

An Israeli official said 15-minute visit by Ben-Gvir, top member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nationalist-religious cabinet, complied with so-called status-quo arrangement dating back decades that allows non-Muslims to visit on condition they do not pray. He did not approach Masjid. Although visit passed without incident, it risks stoking tensions with Palestinians that have already been running high after an upsurge in violence in occupied West Bank in past year.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on Palestinians to “Confront raids into Al Aqsa Masjid”. He accused Ben-Gvir of staging visit as part of bid to turn shrine “Into Jewish temple”. Israel denies having such designs. Ben-Gvir once advocated ending a ban on Jewish prayer at site, but has been more non-committal on issue since aligning with Netanyahu. Other members of his Jewish Power party still advocate such move.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 04 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.