JERUSALEM – A controversial visit by Israel’s National Security Minister to one of the world’s most contested religious sites has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right political positions, toured the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s historic Old City on Sunday, advocating for expanded prayer rights for Jewish visitors at the sacred location.
The site holds extraordinary significance for both faiths – revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and their holiest location, while serving as Islam’s third most sacred place. For decades, a fragile agreement has allowed the compound to remain under Jordanian religious administration, permitting Jewish visits while prohibiting Jewish prayer.
During his visit, Ben-Gvir recorded a video message stating his intentions. “Today, I feel like the owner here,” he declared. “There is still more to do, more to improve. I keep pushing the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) to do more and more — we must keep rising higher and higher.”
Jordan’s foreign ministry responded swiftly with harsh criticism, denouncing the visit as a breach of longstanding agreements. Officials called it “a desecration of its sanctity, a condemnable escalation and an unacceptable provocation” that violated the established status quo.
A spokesperson for Ben-Gvir confirmed the minister had conducted prayers during his visit and was actively pushing for increased access and prayer permits for Jewish worshippers at the compound.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office remained silent on the visit. Previously, similar actions by Ben-Gvir have prompted Netanyahu to publicly reaffirm Israel’s commitment to maintaining current arrangements at the site.
Any proposals to modify existing protocols at the compound have historically triggered widespread Muslim outrage and led to violent confrontations. The location had been mostly closed to public access during recent regional conflicts involving Iran, though Sunday’s visit occurred without immediate signs of unrest.
