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."
