National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has reignited controversy over the Temple Mount, stating that his policy allows Jews to pray there and expressing a desire to build a synagogue on the site.
In today's (Monday's) morning interview with Army Radio, Ben Gvir said, "If I were to say that Muslims are not allowed to pray, you would kill me." He claimed there is no discrimination between Jews and Muslims, asserting that Muslims can pray anywhere, even at the Western Wall.
Ben-Gvir's comments quickly drew criticism from within the coalition and opposition:
- The Prime Minister's Office stated that the status quo on Temple Mount remains unchanged.
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Ben-Gvir's actions "dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible," warning they endanger Israel's national security and international status.
- Interior Minister Moshe Arbel urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to "immediately act to correct Ben-Gvir's comments," warning they could jeopardize Israel's alliances with Muslim countries.
- Education Minister Yoav Kisch condemned the statements as "unnecessary and stupid populist."
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's "weakness in the face of Ben-Gvir," saying, "There is no policy, no strategy, and there is, in reality, no government."
- MK Benny Gantz reassured regional partners that "there is no change in the historic status quo of The Temple Mount" despite "provocative and irresponsible rhetoric by some."
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with ongoing security concerns in northern Israel and recent military actions against Hezbollah.
* JPost contributed to this art.