In a dramatic and bold move, Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, made a powerful statement on Wednesday by visiting Jerusalem's Temple Mount, the site of the revered Al Aqsa Mosque. Declaring the sacred ground as "belonging solely to the State of Israel," Ben Gvir underscored Israel's historical and religious ties to the site. This significant visit came as a direct response to the recent unilateral recognition of an independent Palestinian state by three European nations.
Ben Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount, which Israel reclaimed during the Six-Day War in 1967, served as a defiant message against Norway, Ireland, and Spain's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. “We will not even allow a statement about a Palestinian state,” Ben Gvir asserted, emphasizing Israel's unwavering stance.
Standing on the Temple Mount, Ben Gvir says that by recognizing a Palestinian state, Norway, Spain and Ireland are "giving a prize to [Hamas'] Nukhba [unit], murderers and abusers."
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) May 22, 2024
"We will not allow even a declaration of a Palestinian state," he declares. pic.twitter.com/oNxXjj9rLh
The Temple Mount is a cornerstone of Jewish heritage, the site of the two ancient Jewish Temples. Despite debates regarding the exact location of the Temple of Solomon, evidence on the Mount attests to its historical presence. Herod's Temple, indisputably located here, lays the foundation for the modern layout of the area. The Dome of the Rock, situated on this sacred ground, is known in Judaism as the Foundation Stone, believed to be where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac. This spot, the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred site accessible only to the high priest on Yom Kippur.
Despite allowing Jewish visits, Israel enforces a strict ban on Jewish prayer at the site to avoid provoking Muslim unrest. However, the Palestinians have politicized the compound, expanding the Al Aqsa Mosque's significance to encompass the entire area, which contains numerous structures. Jews respect the sanctity of the Al Aqsa Mosque itself, which originally served as the Byzantine Church of Mary of Justinian, and do not enter it. Nevertheless, Palestinian rhetoric frequently portrays Jewish visits as "storming Al Aqsa," even when visitors are far from the mosque.
⚡️Minister Ben Gvir visits Har Habait (Temple Mount) pic.twitter.com/nVs8cPYlBs
— Levant Observer (@LevantObservers) May 22, 2024
The recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain has sparked intense controversy. This historic move, celebrated by Palestinians, has drawn sharp condemnation from Israel, which promptly recalled its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland. Scheduled for formal recognition on May 28, this development is seen by Israel as a setback, rewarding Palestinian leaders for their refusal to engage in peace negotiations and their incitement of terror attacks against Israelis.
