Ben-Gvir Breaks Silent Pact: Prays at al-Aqsa, Sparks Outrage

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has once again placed himself at the center of a political and religious storm after praying this weekend on the al-Aqsa mosque compound—one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world. Photos and video footage show the minister, dressed in a suit and accompanied by police officers, taking part in Jewish prayers on what Jews know as the Temple Mount, in occupied East Jerusalem.

The symbolism is unmistakable. The al-Aqsa mosque is Islam’s third holiest site and at the same time Judaism’s holiest, believed to be the location of the two biblical temples. A longstanding status quo agreement allows Jews to visit the site, but not pray there. Ben-Gvir clearly broke that principle—and reactions were swift.

Jordan, which acts as the official custodian of the site, called the visit “an unacceptable provocation.” Hamas accused Ben-Gvir of “deepening the aggression against the Palestinian people,” while a spokesperson for President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the visit “has crossed all red lines.”

The visit comes at a time of increased unrest and international concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Ben-Gvir, known for his ultranationalist views, used the occasion to call for full occupation of Gaza and encouraged what he called the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians. Experts label such statements as potential war crimes.

The Prime Minister’s Office insists that Israel’s official policy to maintain the status quo has not changed. Nevertheless, Ben-Gvir’s actions raise questions about whether the government is, in effect, pushing the boundaries of the existing agreement.

According to the Waqf, the Islamic trust that administers the site, Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jewish visitors on Sunday morning. Yet as National Security Minister and the top official responsible for the police, his actions carry a significance and send a signal far beyond that of an individual pilgrim’s devotion.

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