By declaring he would construct a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in East Jerusalem, an extremist Israeli politician has provoked outcry. The statements bolstered the idea that the national emblem of Palestine and a place of pilgrimage for Muslims are in danger.
The Israeli minister of national security, stated in a radio interview that he would construct a synagogue in the Al-Aqsa complex, also referred to by the Jewish community as the Temple Mount, if it were feasible. Jews are not allowed to worship at this location for a long time, yet Ben-Gvir has disregarded this ruling on several occasions.
The Al-Aqsa complex is an emblem of Palestinian nationalism and one of the holiest places in Islamic world. Jews also believe that it is the location of their two sacred Temples, with the second getting demolished by the Romans.
In the course of the conversation, Ben-Gvir stated that if he were able to do whatever he desired, he would erect an Israeli national flag on the location. When a journalist repeatedly asked Ben-Gvir if he could construct a synagogue there if it was up to his choice, he eventually said, yes.
The Israeli government has preserved the status quo for long years, allowing Jewish community to enter the complex in specific times. However, the community is not allowed to worship or show religious emblems at the site.
Several Orthodox Jews have also criticized Ben-Gvir, arguing that the location is too sacred for Jews to visit. Prominent rabbis maintain that because of the holiness of Al-Aqsa, it is illegal for any Jew to access any section of the site.
Extremist religious chauvinists like Ben-Gvir have been violating the facility’s rules more often in recent years. Occasionally, these actions led to conflicts with Palestinian people.
Third Temple
Building a “Third Temple” on Al-Aqsa was always thought to be a fringe project, but support for it is rising in Israel. There are similarities between the events in Hebron, when the Ibrahimi Mosque was divided, and what many Palestinians observe in regard to Al-Aqsa complex.
Ben-Gvir made visits to the sacred site recurrently since assuming the post as security minister two years ago. His shows at the site have drawn harsh criticism.
Jordan oversees the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, while Israeli security personnel are in charge of controlling access to the actual location. Jews need to be able to worship in the complex, according to Ben-Gvir, who spoke on Army Radio.
Ben-Gvir’s efforts to promote Jewish worship at the site have already been criticized by a number of ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders.
The interior minister has already referred to Ben-Gvir’s remarks as “blasphemy” on the matter. He continued by saying that all of Israeli finest men have stood by the prohibition of Jewish worship atop the Temple Mount for long decades.
Jordan responded to Ben-Gvir’s most recent statements. According to a statement from Sufian Qudah, a spokesman for the country’s Foreign Ministry, “Al-Aqsa and the holy sites are a pure place of worship for Muslims.”
In addition, a number of Israeli leaders denounced Ben-Gvir. According to an announcement from the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, the present policy will have no changes.
