Israel’s new Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben GvirFar-right party leader Otzma Yehudit visited Mosques Square on Tuesday, Israeli government “We will not bow to Hamas’ threats” Among the warnings that tensions could rise if Jews enter the area they know as the Temple Mount.
“It is the most important place for the people of Israel. “We will protect freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews will also rise up and those who threaten will be dealt with with an iron fist.”
He also stressed that “times have changed” and stressed that Mosques Square is “open to all”. In the past, the minister has advocated changing the ‘status quo’ on the site, which prevents Jews from praying in Mosques Square and allows Jews to visit Mosques Square only at predetermined times and travel a certain route. accompanied by police, who must ensure that believers do not pray or promote Israeli flags or Jewish religious objects.
The visit was defended by the parliamentarian. Otzma Yehudit Zvika Fogelwho insistedYes Hamas If it disturbs the existing peace and opens fire on Israeli territory, it will be retaliated.” According to the Haaretz newspaper, “It will be worth it, because this will be the last war and after that we can sit down and raise the pigeons and other beautiful birds available.”
Entry of Ben Gvir into the Square of Mosques Following the cabinet decision to postpone the visit at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanhayucondemnation of the opposition and warnings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, considered terrorist groups by Israel.
However, Ben Gvir’s office emphasized that the visit took place after the dome. Shinbet and the Police decided he could do it. As a matter of fact, he stated that at the meeting attended by the Jerusalem regional commander, it was decided that “there are no obstacles in front of him,” according to the news of ‘The Times of Israel’ newspaper.
“Security officers participating in the situation assessment They believed that submitting to threats would reward terrorism and legitimize actions against Israel.”He stressed, Shin Bet and Police have not decided on the statement for now.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid warned on Monday If Ben Gvir visits there he may be “dead”, “This is what happens when a weak prime minister is forced to give the most irresponsible man in the Middle East the most explosive place in the Middle East,” Netanyahu wrote in his critique of the coalition, via his Twitter account. can return to work.
The visit was also criticized by Israeli Labor Party MP Gilad Kariv. Saying that the minister prioritized “promoting an extremist and nationalist viewpoint” on the security of Israeli citizens. “It’s important to remember the connection between political extremism, power drunkenness, and power drunkenness, especially on the tenth-day fast of Tevet – a holiday that commemorates the events that led to the destruction of the First Temple located at this site. The corruption of the government led to the destruction of the temple,” he said.
international criticism
Israeli minister’s visit to Al-Aqsa MosqueCriticized by the Palestinian Foreign MinistryIt was stated that the “attack” on Ben Gvir amounted to “an unprecedented provocation and serious threat to the conflict scene, as well as ignoring demands for an end to it”.
In addition, He blamed Netanyahu for this cowardly attack on Masjid al-Aqsa. He also assured that “the kingdom of Jordan will follow at all levels, in coordination with its brothers”, the authorities governing this place.
Hamas said in a statement, “The infiltration of the occupying Zionist and fascist government’s Minister of National Security into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the occupying Army forces, This is an obvious aggression and a desperate attempt that will not change the Islamic history of Jerusalem and Masjid al-Aqsa.“.
The group emphasized that: Israeli minister’s ‘trace entry’ constitutes ‘criminal behavior’ “It reveals the state of terror and fear experienced by the occupation leaders in the face of Palestine’s right to the city of Jerusalem and the holy Masjid al-Aqsa.”
“Our struggle to defend our lands, our people, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque against the Zionist enemy and its fascist and extremist governmentwill continue with all its possibilities and in all areas of the country. Our people will maintain their bond, determination and comprehensive resistance until the end of the occupation, liberation and return.
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides was equally critical, emphasizing that Washington wants to preserve the “status quo” and that actions that avoid it are unacceptable. ““We were very clear in our conversations with the Israeli government on this issue,” Axios and Walla’s correspondent told Israeli journalist Ben Gvir..
Jordan added to the criticism, acting as the keeper of the place. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Ben Gvir’s visit “an unacceptable violation of the historical and legal situation in Jerusalem and its holy places”Before stating that the Israeli government “takes full responsibility for the consequences” that may result from the actions of the leader of Otzma Yehudit.
In this way, he pointed out that the visit was a “provocative step”.It is a dangerous trend that the international community must stop immediately.” In line with this, he reminded that Jordan has “legal authority” and “exclusive jurisdiction”. “Managing things” in Mosques Square.
Amman called on Israel “as an occupying power” to “immediately end all violations” in Jerusalem, while demanding that the ground “respect” the Jordanian administration. “All measures aimed at changing the historical and legal situation and imposing a special division must be ended,” he said on his Twitter account.
Israel took control of the Temple Mount and the rest of the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War (1967).. However, he allowed Jordan to maintain its religious authority in the region and recognized Jordan’s “special role” in “Muslim holy places in Jerusalem” under the peace treaty.
Israel sees Jerusalem as “indivisible” as its capital“The city’s status awaits a peace agreement with Palestinian officials, who claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a state on the 1967 borders as part of the two-state solution supported by the international community, and call for no changes to the ‘status quo’.