Coalition partners and opposition condemn National Security Minister Ben Gvir’s statements on holy site policy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly distanced itself from the controversy, asserting unequivocally saying, “There is no change to the Temple Mount status quo.”
By ILH Staff | 08-26-2024
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa compound also known to Jews as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem’s Old City August 13, 2024 | Photo: Reuters
Israel’s political landscape was rocked on Monday as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that a policy shift now permits Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound, one of the most contentious sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His controversial remarks, which included proposing the construction of a synagogue at the location, ignited a firestorm of criticism from both coalition allies and opposition figures, who cautioned about potential diplomatic fallout and security risks.
Ben-Gvir made the comments in a Monday morning interview on Army Radio, where he claimed a change in Temple Mount policy now allows Jewish prayer at the site. Ben-Gvir went further, stating, “I would establish a synagogue there.”
The comments drew swift rebuke, with Interior Minister Moshe Arbel of the haredi Shas party demanding immediate action. “Prime Minister Netanyahu must promptly rein in Mr. Ben-Gvir regarding his Temple Mount statements this morning. His reckless words jeopardize Israel’s strategic alliances with Muslim nations, which form a crucial coalition against the Iranian axis of evil. His lack of judgment could have bloody consequences.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly distanced itself from the controversy, asserting unequivocally: “There is no change to the Temple Mount status quo.”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant weighed in, saying: “Disrupting the Temple Mount status quo is dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible. Ben-Gvir’s actions threaten Israel’s national security and international standing. While his efforts yesterday to counter Hezbollah’s attack strengthened Israel, these declarations only serve to weaken us.”
Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, took to X to voice his concerns: “No one expects better from Minister Ben-Gvir, nor from the prime minister who allows this reckless firebrand to lead us to the brink for political convenience. But there are responsible elements within this government and coalition from whom the public demands action. Mere condemnations and platitudes won’t suffice – history will judge you for your part in this perilous course.”
Ben-Gvir’s circle fired back, targeting Arbel, saying, “The incessant left-wing sycophant Moshe Arbel, mouthpiece for Ben Caspit and the far Left, has been angling for a Supreme Court appointment since entering the Knesset. He’s a tireless panderer to the Left, Arabs, the justice system, and in this case, even Hamas and the Islamic Waqf [which administers the holy compound]. His constant accusations against Jews pose a security risk themselves. Shas voters chose right-wing representation but got Moshe ‘Meretz’ Arbel instead.”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch attempted to stake out a middle ground, saying “Any alteration to the Temple Mount status quo, particularly during wartime, must be professionally deliberated in the cabinet with full consideration of all implications. Minister Ben-Gvir’s irresponsible public statements on this matter are populist, unnecessary, and misguided.”
These latest tensions follow Ben-Gvir’s recent ascent to the Temple Mount alongside Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf. At a July Knesset conference promoting visits to the site, Ben-Gvir declared, “I represent the political echelon, and the political echelon sanctions Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount.”
Peloni I think is correct. Although, I would approach from more of a religious Biblical mind set, I understand living in an imperfect world where comprise must sometimes be made.
Edgar nailed it. Having been on the temple mount there is room for all. Even if they used different times and days, but it should be open to all and the Police do a beat down on those who disturb that peace.
Israel has lived the last 75 years like a wife with an abusive husband and she has not HAD ENOUGH. My mother’s sister had this problem as a young bride, went home to ask her mom for advice. One evening said abuser started and Ada laid him out in the kitchen floor with iron skillet. When he come to, they had a new understanding. Lived happily for over 50 years and raise a few good kids. That’s why, Israel CANNOT SHOP WITH HAMAS till they have reached a new understanding.
Currently the police are allowing Jewish prayer except adjacent to the Mosque.
Common sense and wise approach.
@Edgar
Very good point. The role of the police is simply to keep order. In bending its will to the Arabists in the govt and around the world, they decided their role in keeping the peace would be too difficult and offset the religious freedoms of the domninant religionists to appease the violent tendencies of a quarrelsome minority. They must redress this issue and carry out their duty, and as you suggested, simply keep the peace.
PELONI-BEAR-
The Police should be there merely to KEEP ORDER. And we well know from where the disorder comes. The severest punishment should be administered for transgressors. The Mount is a place to pray to our Creator.
And in digging his heels in, I hope he’d wear high heeled cowboy boots especially made for that purpose.
Good conversation.
To be honest, I was somewhat dumbfounded to find anyone condemning Ben Gvir’s position on this topic and many, even on the Right, have done just that. Like refusing to adopt Western control over Israeli courts, or caving to American demands of Israeli surrender, Israel must demonstrate to the world that they are the masters of their own, their own capital, their own holy places, their own borders, their own defense, and their own fate, and this should include the policy of prayer on the Temple Mount. The political pendulum has shifted, from the weak kneed gestures more expected of the likes of Galut Jews such as Shumer to the defiant obstantcy of a proud Jew such as Ben Gvir.
As Ted correctly explains, the policy prohibiting Jews from praying on the Temple Mount was judged to be the purview of the police. Now that the police are controlled by someone with a different vision than that which established and implemented by the same capitulating Leftists who would have Israel surrender to Hamas even after having nearly won the war, we should not hold back. This controversy is not about religion, nor is it about diplomacy. It is simply about sovereignty. Either Israel is sovereign or she is Ukraine, and that should be a very easy choice to make, even as many even on the Right are unwilling to address it as such.
To All the commentors, if all the threatened against Jews on the TM were to be carried out, we would have lost our wailing wall when we need it most (as said of Hussein after the 6 day war). All this wailing by police, Shin Bet and all the retired generals is just their lack of motivation to actually protect the people of Israel. SHAME ON THEM. Ben Gvir is, at least, following his convictions although I sometimes wonder if this “not stupid” guy couldn’t consider a more intelligent approach.
I support Ben G’vir’s position 100%. The MOUNT is ours. we are magnanimous in allowing the Arabim, jew haters nearly all, to go untroubled to their mosques.
When they had control for hundreds of years until 1967 we were allowed only a laneway 10 ft wide at the wall and when praying the mamzerim laughed and spat at us.
Adam, you are wrong, too “sensitive”……………..!!!
@Adam, I concur with your view and wrote my own comment in a similar vane. Ben-Gvir sometimes just likes to get more attention. He is sort of a shock jock MK. Even though on occasion him digging his heals on a subject is beneficial.
My comment previously, “I am for Jews being able to pray on the Temple Mount. That said not in or directly adjacent to the Al Aqasa Mosque. That is simply a war starter and benefits no one.
Israel does not currently have the funds nor need to build a State Temple on the Temple Mount. Let us do our sovereignty wisely!
Build more Jewish Towns all over the Land of Israel from the Galilee (and Golan) to the Negev including Judea & Samaria. Find ways to help Arabs in Gaza, Judea & Samaria, Jerusalem find homes in other countries.
Build up our defense industries and find ways to get the Haredim on board to increase the size of the IDF. There are bigger priorities than a Temple at this point in time.”
I think that Ben-Gvir’s remarks were unnecessarily provocative, and will play into the hands of Anthony Blinken and the PLO. As to the “substantive” isse” Jews should definiitely have an area on the Tenple Mount where they can pray in peace without being hassled by the Israel police, the Jordanian police, or the Wakf police. A synogogue on the Mount” Somehow this seems a stupid idea to me, since the Muslims would just keep tearing it down, forcing Jewish worshippers to rebuild it every few days or at about every week. Too much of a hassle.
“The comments drew swift rebuke, with Interior Minister Moshe Arbel of the haredi Shas party demanding immediate action. “Prime Minister Netanyahu must promptly rein in Mr. Ben-Gvir regarding his Temple Mount statements this morning. His reckless words jeopardize Israel’s strategic alliances with Muslim nations, which form a crucial coalition against the Iranian axis of evil. His lack of judgment could have bloody consequences.” …….. {If Minister Arbel would read his Bible, he would see it is his own position that brings bloodshed to the Jewish people. Those strategic alliances have never worked out in the past and they never will}
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly distanced itself from the controversy, asserting unequivocally: “There is no change to the Temple Mount”
–{Another problem for the Israeli’s… lack of courage and leadership.}
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant weighed in, saying: “Disrupting the Temple Mount status quo is dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible. Ben-Gvir’s actions threaten Israel’s national security and international standing. While his efforts yesterday to counter Hezbollah’s attack strengthened Israel, these declarations only serve to weaken us.”…… {another tool of the left anti-Israel establishment. Minister Gallant, read your Bible and a history book! Israel currently has NO standing with the international community and will not have till the Temple mount is again completely under Israeli control. My crystal ball, tells me the current leadership in Israel is paving the road for “bloody consequences” as stated by Minister Arbel.}
It is the Muslims themselves who should consider moving their mosque to an Islamic land and for their own good:
QURAN: ISRAEL BELONGS TO THE JEWS. Allah assigned Israel to the Jews (Sura 5 Verse 21), and that Jews are the inheritors of Israel (Sura 26 Verse 5)
“And we said to the Children of Israel afterwards, ‘scatter and live all over the world… and when the end of the world is near we will gather you again into the Promised Land” (Quran:17:104)
“The al-Aqsa Mosque was built on top of Solomon’s Temple.” – Eleventh century historian Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Maqdisi and fourteenth century Iranian religious scholar Hamdallah al-Mustawfi [“Allah Gave the Land of Israel to the Jews”]
Every nation and mighty empire that invaded and desecrated Jerusalem are gone – ask Babylon, Ancient Egypt, Assyria, The Greek Empire and The Roman Empire.
The Mosque should be relocated respectfully via joint agreement with Muslims. Not doing so infers an underlying intension of rejecting peace with a 4,000-year nation. It is food for thought why Muslims have not been able to produce a wristwatch, a car, a PC or a new health benefit for humanity, despite the advantages of never being exiled from their land and having free oil wealth.
“Who can challenge the rights of the Jews in Palestine? Good Lord, historically it is really your country” – Ottoman Mayor and scholar Yusuf Diya al-Khalidi; Jerusalem, 1899.
It is the Muslims themselves who should consider moving their mosque to an Islamic land and for their own good:
QURAN: ISRAEL BELONGS TO THE JEWS. Allah assigned Israel to the Jews (Sura 5 Verse 21), and that Jews are the inheritors of Israel (Sura 26 Verse 5)
“And we said to the Children of Israel afterwards, ‘scatter and live all over the world… and when the end of the world is near we will gather you again into the Promised Land” (Quran:17:104)
“The al-Aqsa Mosque was built on top of Solomon’s Temple.” – Eleventh century historian Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Maqdisi and fourteenth century Iranian religious scholar Hamdallah al-Mustawfi [“Allah Gave the Land of Israel to the Jews”]
Every nation and mighty empire that invaded and desecrated Jerusalem are gone – ask Babylon, Ancient Egypt, Assyria, The Greek Empire and The Roman Empire.
The Mosque should be relocated respectfully via joint agreement with Muslims. Not doing so infers an underlying intension of rejecting peace with a 4,000-year nation. It is food for thought why Muslims have not been able to produce a wristwatch, a car, a PC or a new health benefit for humanity, despite the advantages of never being exiled from their land and having free oil wealth.
“Who can challenge the rights of the Jews in Palestine? Good Lord, historically it is really your country” – Ottoman Mayor and scholar Yusuf Diya al-Khalidi; Jerusalem, 1899.
@Ted: so, like in so many countries, the police are there to keep the peace – not to protect the population that is paying them. This is a fine distinction that we see everywhere, like, for instance, on campus. It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong, only that they don’t bother the police.
It seems that the police always go after low-hanging fruit or the path of least resistance. Our friend and helper.
Ben Gvir is promoting his own belief that Jews should be allowed to pray anywhere. The Rabinical edict that the Temple Mount is holy land should be followed up by denying its desecration to one and all. Singling out the Jews, whose holy land it actually is, exposes antisemitism at a place it absolutely should not be present.
We know the religious leaders (some of them at least) believe in Eretz Israel but not in the State of Israel. Their gratitude for the protection they enjoy from the State is probably attributed more to God than to the State. The requirement to send their young men and women to perform national service is evaded to the limit while withholding funds for those studying Torah seems to be the only way to get their attention.
So, at the end of the day, they are all fighting for their preferred hobby-horses and there seems to be no way to reach adult decisions.
There are plenty of fronts to fight on. The most important one is to shake off the belief that changing the “status quo” on the TM will cause WW3. There may be some noise here and there but the Jihad from all of Islam will likely remain within reason. They have something to lose too and they still can’t believe that Dayan could be so stupid as to self-impose such a stupid regulation.
Since Ben Gvir has been given this important post, he certainly has some wriggle room to make sensible changes. If he needs to speak with our neighbors about his changes, he should be enjoying the support of his colleagues.
I just read about Ben Gvir’s plan to build a synagoge on the Temple Mount.
His plan has been opposed by Saudi Arabia and others. They claim that Jews have no right to be there.
I totally support Ben Gvir.
Previously I mentioned the the High Court held that jews had a right to pray on Temple Nount but left it to the police to determine if it was to dangerous. The police decided against allowing it. Now that Ben Gvir is in charge of the police he has mandated a different policy.
I mentioned in my 2017 conference in Jerusalem and many times thereafter, that the Muslims always refer to defending the Al Aksa Mosque and never about defending the Temple Mount.
I suggested that the Temple Mount be divided between an area aroung the Al Aksa Mosque, which would be allocated to the Muslims, and the rest of the Temple Mount which would be allocated to the Jews.
I stand by that.
Earlier I had advised that the High Court held it was legal for Jews to pray on the Temple Mount but left it to the police to decide if it was too dangers. The police then banned the Jews from praying there.
Now that Ben Gvir is in charge of the police, he has mandated a new policy. The Jews can pray there.