Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir caused a political storm on Tuesday when, while visiting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, he said that Jews will be allowed to have prayers there, which is currently against Israeli policies. The visit came on Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av), a 24-hour fast and day of mourning commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans 2,000 years ago, and Ben-Gvir’s comments angered members of his own government.
While on the Temple Mount, where the Temple once stood and where the Muslims have two sacred mosques, Ben-Gvir said, “We are here on Tisha B’av, the Temple Mount, to commemorate the destruction of the Temple. But we also have to say honestly: there is a very big progress here in governance, in sovereignty. Pictures of Jews praying here.”
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“As I said – our policy is to allow prayer,” he added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not happy with Ben-Gvir’s words.
His office issued a statement saying “It is the Government and the Prime Minister who determine policy on the Temple Mount. There is no private policy of any minister – not the National Security Minister or any other minister – on the Temple Mount. Thus it has been under all governments of Israel.”
Netanyahu’s office also criticized Itamar Ben-Gvir’s actions saying they “deviated from the status quo” and emphasized that “Israel’s policy on the Temple Mount has not changed; this is how it has been and this is how it will be.”
Israel’s ultra-orthodox politicians were not happy either because they believe it is a sin for Jews to ascend the Temple Mount until the coming of the Messiah.
Chairman of the ultra-orthodox Degal HaTorah (flag of the Tora) Party – which is part of Netanyahu’s governing coalition – Moshe Gafni criticized Ben-Gvir saying, “The damage to the sanctity of the Temple Mount and the status quo is not of interest to Minister Ben Gvir who goes against the great men of Israel and the chief rabbis for generations.”
“The damage he is causing to the Jewish people,” added Gafni, “is too great to bear and he is also causing gratuitous hatred on the day of the destruction of the Temple. We will have to check with our gentlemen if we can be partners with him and make this clear to the Prime Minister as well.”
