The Israeli Occupation National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, made controversial statements on Wednesday during a conference held to mark what is called "Israel's Return to the Temple Mount." He declared, "I am the political level, and the political level permits Jewish prayers on the Temple Mount."

 

Ben-Gvir stated at the Knesset conference that "the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque) is undergoing changes. We all understand what I am talking about. What needs to be said quietly will be said quietly."

 

He continued, "I was at the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque), I prayed on the Temple Mount, and we pray on the Temple Mount. They always told me, 'the political level, the political level,' I am the political level, and the political level permits Jewish prayers on the Temple Mount."

 

Ben-Gvir added, "There is still much to be fixed, many goals to achieve, and various points and areas where Jews face discrimination." He referred to the current restrictions as "racism" and argued that there is no reason not to open the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque) to Jews 24/7 and allow them to ascend on Saturdays. He insisted that all areas of the Temple Mount should be open to Jews.

 

Knesset members rejected Ben-Gvir's statements, emphasizing that the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be altered. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel from the Shas party remarked, "The grave transgression committed cannot pass quietly. The prohibition against ascending the Temple Mount has been the stance of all major rabbis for generations."

 

Finance Committee Chairman Moshe Gafni of the United Torah Judaism party wrote on X, "Ascending the Temple Mount involves a strict prohibition. I call on the Prime Minister not to allow any changes to the status quo on the Temple Mount. If changes occur, the Temple Mount must be closed to Jews."

 

Benny Gantz, head of the "State Camp" party, commented, "Just as Ben-Gvir did not decide the entry protocols to the Haram al-Sharif during Ramadan, he does not decide on the matter today either. I commend Knesset member Aryeh Deri for showing responsibility and refusing to compromise the country's security for political interests."