Middle East TT
Israeli statements and provocations on the Temple Mount during Jerusalem Day threaten to escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
We will ensure that Jerusalem remains united, and under Israeli sovereignty, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli Prime Minister's statement was a direct provocation against the parts that Israel has occupied in Jerusalem. Netanyahu spoke in the eastern Jerusalem district of Silwan.
Israel's Security Minister, right-wing politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, also chose to perform a challenging act on Monday. He ascended the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in an act seen as a pure provocation against Muslims. The visit was surrounded by a large security operation, and accompanied by supporters waving Israeli flags.
Praying for Victory
On site at the holy Temple Mount, Ben-Gvir said he "prays for victory in the Israel-Hamas war, that all hostages held in Gaza will return to Israel, and success for the future head of the (intelligence organization) Shin Bet, David Zini.
The Israeli government has dismissed Shin Bet's previous chief, which has been criticized by the country's Supreme Court and Attorney General. But since the former chief resigned, Netanyahu's right-wing government has been able to appoint a replacement, who is loyal to the government.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry reacted sharply to the visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and accused Ben-Gvir of "storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque together with a large group of extremists".
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry added that it was "a flagrant violation of the sanctity and significance of Al-Aqsa for the entire Islamic community – and a desperate attempt by the occupation to force the mosque to become Jewish".
Leading to Protests
Terror-listed Hamas in Gaza condemned the Israeli visit and called on supporters "to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque".
Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism, and the third holiest in Islam. In a sort of status quo, the various religious communities have avoided challenging through controversial statements on the Temple Mount – which has previously led to widespread protests and unrest.
The so-called Jerusalem Day celebrates the Israeli military entry and occupation of Jerusalem in the 1967 war.
