Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has once again caused a stir with a visit to a controversial holy site in Jerusalem.
He said in a video taken at the scene and posted on social media platform X that he was praying and working hard for the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahuso that he would have the strength not to give in during the war in Gaza, increase military pressure and achieve victory.
He said he had come to the site called the Temple Mount by Jews and the Noble Sanctuary by Muslims to pray for the hostages and their return “without a reckless deal, without surrender.”
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly threatened to leave the coalition if Netanyahu agrees to a deal to release the hostages with the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which would also end the war.
Netanyahu depends for his political survival on his ultra-religious and far-right coalition partners, who refuse to compromise in negotiations with Hamas.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of sabotaging indirect talks with the Islamists for this reason. Recently, Netanyahu said that Israel would force further concessions from Hamas through increased military pressure. Hamas has reportedly already shown flexibility in some of its positions.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned his visit to the holy site. Ben-Gvir has visited the site several times since taking office, always drawing international criticism.
The plateau contains the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. However, it is also sacred to Jews because two Jewish temples once stood there.
The shrines on the site are managed by a Jordanian foundation, while Israel is responsible for security. According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews are allowed to visit the complex but not to pray there. However, there are frequent violations of this agreement.
