Egypt Daily News – The recent statements made by Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque have ignited significant controversy and condemnation from various Arab nations.
During an interview, Ben Gvir expressed his desire to alter the existing status quo at the sacred site, suggesting that he would support the construction of a synagogue in the area, which is administered under a delicate arrangement that historically has restricted non-Muslim prayers.
In his interview, Ben Gvir claimed that Jews should have the same rights as Muslims to pray at the site, reflecting a stance that many interpret as an attempt to shift the longstanding arrangements established after Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
This has sparked serious concerns among Muslim-majority countries, leading to official condemnations.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry’s response highlighted the view that Ben Gvir’s remarks breach international law and incite unacceptable conflict, calling for a unified international objection to his statements. Jordan, too, reiterated its outright rejection of what it terms “extremist policies,” suggesting that Ben Gvir’s statements threaten to disrupt the historical and legal status in Jerusalem regarding Islamic holy sites.
Other nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, joined in the condemnation, emphasizing the need for Israel to honor the historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is deemed a pure worship site for Muslims only. Each of these countries highlighted that such provocations could escalate tensions in the region and undermine efforts for peace.
The matter is particularly sensitive as Al-Aqsa Mosque, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is central to both Islamic belief and Jewish religious identity.
The site remains under Israeli control, but it is managed by the Jordanian Islamic Endowments department and has a history of being a flashpoint in Israeli-Palestinian tensions, with many Palestinians viewing visits by nationalist Jews as provocations.
Amid the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration sought to maintain that there would be no changes to the longstanding status quo concerning the site, signaling a desire to avoid further escalation in response to Ben Gvir’s remarks. However, the growing number of Israeli nationalist visits may continue to strain the delicate balance at this contentious site.
