Attempts to replace quo at al-Aqsa Mosque ‘unacceptable’, says Tom Nides
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Itamar Ben-Gvir walks in the courtyard of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Israel’s new far-right security minister made a saint in Jerusalem on Tuesday, drawing fierce condemnation from across the Muslim world and a sharp rebuke from the United States.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, a non-nationalist supporter of illegal settlements in the West Bank, entered the Ensemble known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Shrine, flanked by a gigantic contingent of police. Aqsa Mosque.
“The Temple Mount is open to all,” Mr. Ben-Gvir said on Twitter, the site’s Jewish name.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on Palestinians to “confront raids on al-Aqsa Mosque. “He accused Ben-Gvir of organizing it as part of an attempt to turn the shrine “into a Jewish temple. “
The leader of Lebanon’s hardline armed movement, Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said any violation of the prestige quo at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque for decades could lead to an explosion in the region, only within the Palestinian territories.
Since Israel seized the site in 1967, Jews have been allowed to enter the site but not pray there. Palestinians see the mosque as a national symbol and see the s as a provocation and a possible precursor to Israel’s takeover of the compound. Ben-Gvir once advocated ending the ban on Jewish prayer at the site, but has been more evasive about it since aligning himself with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu sought to downplay Mr. Netanyahu Ben-Gvir’s visit, claiming it was consistent with a long-standing practice at the site. But the incident has baffled enemies and allies who have expressed strong considerations about the far-right composition of his new government.
U. S. Ambassador Tom Nestes said he had been “very clear” with Israel “about the factor of preserving the prestige quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites. “Actions that prevent this are unacceptable.
The UAE, which established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, called on Israel to “put an end to the grave and provocative violations being committed there. “
Saudi Arabia condemned Ben-Gvir’s action, as did statements through Kuwait and Qatar, while Turkey suggested Israel “act responsibly,” saying such visits may “provoke an escalation in the region. “
Jordan, who acts as custodian of the disputed shrine, condemned Ben-Gvir “in the strongest terms” and summoned Israel’s ambassador to record a protest.
Describing the Temple Mount as “the ultimate position for the Jewish people,” Mr. Ben-Gvir denounced what he called “racist discrimination” against Jewish visits to the site. With the Dome of the Rock in the background and waving his hands toward the camera, he said the tours would continue.
“The Israeli government will not surrender to a murderous organization, a notorious terrorist organization,” he said in a video clip, referring to Hamas.
Tensions at the disputed compound have fueled the latest waves of violence. A decision by then-opposition leader Ariel Sharon in September 2000 helped trigger clashes that have become the moment Palestinians rise up.
Israeli police escort Jews to al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Tuesday
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said Mr. Ben-Gvir is “a continuation of the aggression of the Zionist occupation on our holy sites and the war against our Arab identity. “
Netanyahu went on to insist that Israel remained committed to “strictly maintaining the prestige quo” at the site. He returned last week for his sixth term as prime minister, leading the most devout and right-wing government in the country’s history. The goals come with the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and the annexation of occupied territory.
Ben-Gvir is the head of the ultra-nationalist Jewish Power faction and has a history of inflammatory comments and anti-Palestinian moves. He was once convicted of inciting and supporting a Jewish terror group, but in his new role he now commands Israel. Police.
On Monday, Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem said 2022 was the deadliest year for Palestinians since 2004. He said only about 150 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Israeli police escort Jews to al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Tuesday
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Itamar Ben-Gvir walks in the courtyard of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
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