Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Sunday, one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East, sparking strong reactions in the region. The visit comes amid already tense tensions and was immediately condemned by Jordan and Palestinian officials.
Located in Jerusalem's Old City, the esplanade, also known as the Temple Mount by Jews, is both the holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest site in Islam. Under a status quo that has been in place for several decades, the site is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation, and Jewish worshippers are permitted to visit it but not to pray there.
During his visit, Itamar Ben-Gvir stated his desire to facilitate access to the site for Jewish worshippers, saying in a video released by his office that he felt "at home" there. He also called for "even greater" efforts in these measures, indicating that he regularly encouraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen these initiatives.
These statements have reignited concerns about a possible challenge to the historical status quo governing access to the site. In the past, any suggestion of changing the rules has provoked strong indignation in the Muslim world and has sometimes triggered episodes of violence.
Ben-Gvir's visit thus takes place amid persistent tensions surrounding Jerusalem's holy sites, where religious and political issues remain closely intertwined. International reactions could intensify further in the coming days, as the situation remains extremely volatile.
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