Israeli Far-Right Minister Provokes Again: "Jerusalem Belongs to Us"

Strong Backlash from Palestine and Jordan

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister and a leading figure in the ultra-right-wing government, made a sudden visit to the holy site in East Jerusalem on the 21st (local time).

Local media reported that Minister Ben-Gvir toured the compound of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's three holiest sites, located in East Jerusalem, that morning. He appeared accompanied by Kobi Shabtai, the police chief, and representatives of the Jewish rights group 'Temple Mount Administration' within the holy site.

In a statement, he said, "I am pleased to be on the Temple Mount (the Israeli term for the holy site in East Jerusalem). This place is the most important to the Jewish people."

Minister Ben-Gvir further praised the Israeli police's efforts to maintain order within the holy site, provocatively stating, "They (the police) have proven who the owners of Jerusalem are. Hamas's threats change nothing. The owners of Jerusalem and Israel are us."

According to the daily Haaretz, Ben-Gvir's visit to the holy site was carried out without prior consultation with the Jordanian Waqf Foundation, which manages the site.

His provocative visit to the holy site came just three days after the 'Jerusalem Day' flag march, commemorating the occupation and annexation of East Jerusalem on the 18th, sparking immediate backlash from Palestine and the Arab world.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority (PA) leader, said, "The early morning thieving visit by extremist Ben-Gvir will not grant Israel sovereignty over the holy site."

The armed faction Hamas also wrote on Telegram, "Israel is responsible for the barbaric intrusion by ministers and groups of settlers," adding, "This provocation confirmed the depth of the danger cast over the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the arrogance of the Zionist fascist government and the far-right minister."

On January 4th (local time), Palestinian protesters in Rafah, Gaza Strip, trampled on a poster featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (left), and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Jordan also condemned Ben-Gvir's visit to the holy site as a "provocative, dangerous, and unacceptable act of escalating tension."

Sinan Majali, spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denounced it as "a blatant and dismissive act against international law and the historical status of Jerusalem and the holy site."

The holy site in East Jerusalem was occupied by Israel following the 1967 Six-Day War and is a shared sacred place for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Muslims refer to this place as the "Noble Sanctuary," where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have flown from Mecca with the angel Gabriel (Isra) and ascended to heaven (Mi'raj).

Jews believe this is the site where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac and where the ancient kingdoms' Solomon and King Herod built temples that were destroyed by Babylonian and Roman armies, calling it the "Temple Mount."

According to an agreement between Israel and Jordan, only Muslims are allowed to pray and worship at the holy site. Jews may visit but are only permitted to pray and worship at the Western Wall, known as the "Wailing Wall."

Ben-Gvir has advocated changing these rules to allow Jews to freely pray and worship within the holy site compound as well.

Earlier this year, shortly after assuming office, he also made a surprise visit to the holy site, which drew strong backlash from the Arab world.

At that time, he said, "We have protected the freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians here. Now Jews will also go here. Those who pose threats will be dealt with strictly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.