Far-Right Minister Ben-Gvir Pushes Jewish Prayer at Controversial Temple Mount Visit

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem has stirred controversy due to his stance on allowing Jewish prayer at the site, which is contrary to the longstanding unwritten status quo. The visit, which coincided with Tisha B'Av, a Jewish day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples, included footage of Jews praying next to Ben Gvir. This act has been seen as a violation of the existing policies, which only permit non-Muslims to visit the site during specific hours without engaging in prayer or displaying religious symbols.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the status quo at the Temple Mount remains unchanged and that government policy, not individual ministers, dictates actions at the site. Ben Gvir's visit, which was marked by his call for Hamas to be subdued in Gaza, has raised concerns about potential unrest and increased tensions in the region. Critics argue that the failure to enforce the ban on Jewish prayer at the compound could provoke further conflict, especially given the site's significance to both Jewish and Muslim communities.