Israel's Ben-Gvir storms Al-Aqsa in 'unprecedented provocation'
Middle East EyeJan 03, 2023
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al Aqsa mosque, whose Jewish name is Temple Mount, on Tuesday, sparking condemnation from Palestinians and other Arab communities.
Ben-Gvir, surrounded by police, briefly toured the religious site in his first public act since Israeli PM Netanyahu's government was sworn in five days ago. The hilltop site is considered the most sacred place in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam.
Considering that the Second Intifada was sparked by former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's storming of Al Aqsa Mosque in 2000, Ben-Gvir's recent stunt is clearly a dangerous provocation. Israeli politicians like Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir are far-right religious nationalists who believe that all of Palestine should be annexed and occupied by Israel. Theatrics like this could seriously worsen an already violent situation; in the last year, Israeli forces have killed over 200 Palestinians, and Ben-Gvir's visit signals that such violence will continue.
The controversy regarding Ben-Gvir's visit is just another example of the double standard to which Israel is held. When Jews want to visit the Temple Mount, which they consider the holiest site in their religion, they're severely criticized by world governments and the media. However, when Palestinians incite violence and riots because they can't accept Jews' rights to pray at their holy site, they're applauded. Either way, Ben-Gvir's visit doesn't threaten the status quo or previous agreements.