Ben-Gvir Proposes Synagogue at Temple Mount Amid Controversy

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked controversy by proposing the establishment of a synagogue within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Ben-Gvir asserted that current policies permit Jewish prayer at the site, advocating for equal religious rights for Jews and Muslims. He has stated his intention to allow Jewish prayers at the site, contradicting longstanding agreements that restrict Jewish worship there.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office responded, emphasizing that there will be no change to the current legal status of Al-Aqsa, which traditionally prohibits Jewish prayer at the site to maintain a sensitive status quo. The proposal has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, who cautioned that Ben-Gvir's statements could harm Israel's strategic alliances with Muslim-majority countries and potentially lead to violence. Opposition leaders also condemned the proposal, underscoring the risk of exacerbating tensions between religious communities.