On May 26, 2025, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir was escorted by Israeli police as he arrived outside the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem's Old City. The visit coincided with a flag march for Jerusalem Day, commemorating the Israeli army's 1967 capture of the city's eastern sector.
The Al-Aqsa compound, a site of significant religious importance, is governed by a long-standing "status quo" agreement. Under this arrangement, a Jordanian religious foundation administers the site, allowing Jews to visit but prohibiting prayer.
Videos from a Jewish organization showed Ben-Gvir leading a group within the compound. Other videos circulated online appeared to depict Ben-Gvir praying, though the content could not be immediately verified. The visit occurred on Tisha B'av, a day of mourning for the destruction of ancient Jewish temples believed to have stood on the site.
The Waqf, the foundation managing the complex, reported that Ben-Gvir was among approximately 1,250 individuals who ascended the site and engaged in prayer, shouting, and dancing. Israel's official stance acknowledges the restrictions on non-Muslim prayer at the compound, which is Islam's third holiest site and Judaism's most sacred.
Ben-Gvir has previously advocated for allowing Jewish prayer at the site, leading to statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarifying that this was not the government's policy. During this visit, Ben-Gvir stated he prayed for Israel's victory over Hamas in the Gaza war and the return of Israeli hostages. He also reiterated his call for Israel to conquer the entire enclave.
The compound, located in Jerusalem's Old City, is a highly sensitive area in the Middle East. Any suggestion of altering the rules at the site has historically caused outrage in the Muslim world and triggered violence. There were no immediate reports of violence on the day of the visit.
A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Ben-Gvir's visit, stating it "crossed all red lines." The spokesperson called for international intervention to stop the actions of settlers and the Israeli government, end the war in Gaza, and facilitate humanitarian aid.
5 Comments
The Truth
Some will see this as courageous, rather than as provocative!
Answer
Visiting a holy site doesn't equate to inciting violence. This is about religious freedom.
Comandante
Ben-Gvir's visit is a blatant provocation. This is not about prayer; it's about asserting dominance.
Africa
1,250 people praying, shouting, and dancing? Sounds more like a planned escalation than religious practice.
Coccinella
The irony – praying for victory over Hamas while creating more conflict.