Russia has voiced concern over the provocative actions attributed to Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a central Muslim shrine located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The concern was shared through an official statement published on the website of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, reflecting the government’s view of the incident.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described the episode as a troubling display from supporters of religious Zionism. It urged Israeli authorities not only to condemn such actions but also to take concrete steps to halt a practice that, in Moscow’s view, erodes the status quo governing Jerusalem’s sacred sites. The issue, the ministry noted, is linked to the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, which contains provisions intended to preserve the sanctity and stability of the holy places in the area.
The actions in question involved Ben-Gvir, who serves as Israel’s Minister of Security. He reportedly visited the Al-Aqsa complex in the Temple Mount area along with a group of like-minded supporters and participated in a prayer that referenced the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jewish history. The gathering, described by observers as a show of solid backing for a hardline stance, coincided with calls for a stronger Israeli course against Palestinian militancy in the region.
Beyond the ceremonial prayer, the participants reportedly urged a more aggressive Israeli posture toward Hamas and expressed opposition to engaging in talks held in Doha. This combination of religious symbolism and political rhetoric has drawn widespread attention in international capitals, raising questions about its potential impact on regional stability and the broader Middle East peace process.
In separate developments, Josep Borrell, the former head of the European Union’s diplomatic service, indicated the possibility of sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in response to what he described as radical statements. The suggestion of punitive measures reflects a broader concern among EU policymakers about incendiary actions that could derail attempts to manage conflict dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.
Meanwhile, remarks from Israeli leaders have added to the sense of a protracted struggle. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the conflict with Hamas as a long-term engagement, with some officials signaling that the confrontation might extend through the coming years. The statements have fed debate among international observers about timelines for de-escalation, ceasefires, and the path toward a sustainable resolution in the region. The overall discourse underscores the fragility of the situation and the potential for shifts in international positions as events unfold in Jerusalem and beyond.