Israel’s far-right nationwide safety minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who’s infamous for his controversial statements and actions concentrating on Palestinians and Muslims, known as for the development of a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is revered because the third-holiest website for Muslims.
Gvir, who has repeatedly ignored the federal government’s long-standing ban on Jews praying on the website, informed Army Radio that if it have been attainable he would construct a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa compound, identified to Jews because the Temple Mount.
The Al-Aqsa compound is Islam’s third holiest website and an emblem of Palestinian nationwide identification, however additionally it is Judaism’s holiest place, revered as the positioning of the second temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
“If I could do anything I wanted, I would put an Israeli flag on the site,” Ben Gvir stated within the interview.
Asked a number of instances by the journalist if he would construct a synagogue on the website if it have been as much as him, Ben-Gvir lastly replied: “Yes.”
Under the established order maintained by Israeli authorities, Jews and different non-Muslims are allowed to go to the compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem throughout specified hours, however they aren’t permitted to hope there or show spiritual symbols.
In latest years, the restrictions on the compound have been more and more flouted by hardline spiritual nationalists like Ben Gvir, prompting generally violent reactions from Palestinians.
Since taking workplace in December 2022, Ben Gvir, as nationwide safety minister has visited the disputed holy website a minimum of six instances, drawing extreme condemnations.
The Al-Aqsa mosque compound is run by Jordan, however entry to the positioning itself is managed by Israeli safety forces.
Ben Gvir informed Army Radio that Jews must be allowed to hope within the compound.
“Arabs can pray wherever they want, so Jews should be able to pray wherever they want,” he stated, claiming that the “current policy allows Jews to pray at this site.”
Jordan hit again at Ben Gvir’s newest remarks.
“Al-Aqsa and the holy sites are a pure place of worship for Muslims,” Jordanian overseas ministry spokesman Sufian Qudah stated in a press release.
“Jordan will take all necessary measures to stop the attacks on the holy sites” and “is preparing the necessary legal files to take action in international courts against the attacks on the holy sites,” Qudah stated.
Several Israeli officers additionally condemned Ben Gvir, whereas a press release from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace stated “there is no change” to the present coverage.
“Challenging the status quo on the Temple Mount is a dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible act,” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated on X.
“Ben Gvir’s actions endanger the national security of the State of Israel.”
Israeli opposition chief Yair Lapid stated on X that Ben Gvir’s repeated feedback present that “Netanyahu lost control of his government.”
Palestinian presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned that “Al-Aqsa and the holy sites are a red line that we will not allow to be touched at all.”
Hamas, with whom Israel is locked in a bitter battle within the Gaza Strip, stated the minister’s feedback have been “dangerous” and known as on Arab and Islamic international locations “to take responsibility for protecting the holy sites.”
Earlier this month, Ben-Gvir introduced he had prayed on the compound, drawing widespread condemnation, together with from a number of influential Israeli rabbis.
During a latest go to to the positioning, Ben-Gvir filmed a video assertion during which he reiterated his opposition to any cease-fire within the Gaza battle.
Source: www.dailysabah.com