The United States slammed as “unacceptable” National Security Minister Ben Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount on Thursday, to mark the annual Tisha Be’Av fast.
The Biden administration “stands firmly for the preservation of the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem,” a spokesperson for US Embassy in Jerusalem said.
“Any unilateral action or rhetoric that jeopardizes the status quo is unacceptable,” the spokesperson said.
The move also sparked condemnations from the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Egypt.
“This place – this is the most important place for the people of Israel – where we have to return to show our governance,”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
Ben Gvir said it was particularly important for him to visit the site where the former Jewish Temple stood particularly on the day where Jews around the world mourn its destruction 2,000 years ago.
“This place – this is the most important place for the people of Israel – where we have to return to show our governance,” he said.
The temple mount in Jerusalem (credit: PIXABAY)His walk across the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound together with the visit there on Thursday of over 2,000 Jews sparked fear in the global community that Israel was violating the status quo that regulates the religious site, which is the holiest one to Jews and the third holiest to Muslims.
Since 1967 Muslims have had the sole right to pray on the Temple Mount, which they call al-Haram, al-Sharif, while members of all other faiths including Jews, can visit.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sworn that he is committed to preserving the status quo.
There is, however, a growing movement in the Israeli Right, including among politicians such as Ben Gvir to allow for Jews to also pray at the site, particularly in light of the drive by the Palestinian Authority to disavow all Jewish connections the Temple Mount.
Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount, his third since taking office in January, reignited that fear. It stoke additional tensions with the Biden administration, particularly at a time when it was already frustrated with Netanyahu’s government over the passage of the first major judicial reform legislation, which limits the review power of the courts.
Passage of the legislation, which was met with major protests
The passage of the legislation, which was met with major protests by its opponents has divided the nation. Ben-Gvir used his trip to issue a call for unity.
“On this day, in this place, it is always important to remember – we are all brothers,” the minister said. “Right, left, religious, secular – we are all the same people. And when a terrorist looks [at us], he does not differentiate between us. Unity is important, love of Israel is important,” Ben Gvir said.
Jordan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sinan Al Majali warned Israel of the “consequences of approving extremists storming Al-Aqsa.”
Egypt said “Israel must stop these provocative actions that only lead to more tension in the area.”
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