Israel far-right Minister visits Al-Aqsa compound
The Hindu
The far-right National Security Minister of Israel visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and declared Israel as in charge after months of escalating violence.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and declared Israel “in charge”, drawing condemnation from Palestinians after months of escalating tension and violence.
The comments during his early morning visit on May 21 to the compound came days after groups of Jewish youths scuffled with Palestinians and chanted racist slogans during the annual nationalist march through the Old City.
The event, held on “Jerusalem Day”, which marks the 1967 capture and annexation of East Jerusalem, a move considered illegal under international law, has led to violence in recent years, as far-right Israelis shout provocative slogans and insults, as well as physically attack Palestinians and even journalists.
“I’m happy to ascend the Temple Mount, the most important place for the people of Israel,” Mr. Ben-Gvir said during his visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as Al-Haram al-Sharif by Muslims and the Temple Mount by Jews.
In 2021, tensions around Al-Aqsa were followed by an 11-day Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip. Hamas, which controls the Strip, has repeatedly warned that it would react to what it sees as Jewish incursions on the site, which stands in Jordanian custodianship under a long-standing “status quo” arrangement to contain tensions.
“All the threats from Hamas will not help; we are in charge here in Jerusalem and all of the land of Israel,” said Mr. Ben-Gvir, who has repeatedly visited the compound.
For Jews, Temple Mount is the holiest place, where the biblical King Solomon built the first Temple 3,000 years ago and where the Romans razed a second Temple. Today, the hillside site is the third holiest in Islam, holding Al-Aqsa mosque with the Dome of the Rock, believed to be where the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven.
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