Israel's far-right national security minister visited Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site on Thursday morning, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Gaza cease-fire talks. Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist settler leader, stated that he went to the contested Jerusalem hilltop compound of Al Aqsa Mosque to pray for the return of hostages, but emphasized the need for caution in any potential agreements.
Ben-Gvir's visit coincided with ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire in the 9-month-old conflict. His public statements indicated a desire to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resist international pressure and continue the military campaign in Gaza.
The timing of Ben-Gvir's visit is notable, as it occurred just before Netanyahu's upcoming trip to the United States, where he is scheduled to address Congress. Ben-Gvir's previous visit to the site in May was in protest of countries unilaterally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
The Jerusalem hilltop compound is a point of contention between Jews and Muslims, with both groups laying claim to its significance. For Jews, the site is revered as the Temple Mount, while Palestinians view the Al Aqsa Mosque as a national symbol. Visits by individuals like Ben-Gvir are often seen as provocative by Palestinians, leading to increased tensions and potential escalations of violence in the region.
