In a provocative statement that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has declared his desire to construct a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem. This assertion, made during an interview with Army Radio, has reignited tensions surrounding one of the world’s most contested religious sites and raised alarm about potential threats to the delicate status quo that has governed the holy site for decades.

The Controversial Vision of Ben-Gvir

Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right views and provocative actions, didn’t stop at the idea of building a synagogue. He further stated that if he had his way, he would place an Israeli flag on the site. When pressed by the interviewer, Ben-Gvir confirmed that he would indeed build a synagogue on the compound if it were up to him. These statements challenge the long-standing arrangements that have been in place to maintain peace and prevent conflict at this highly sensitive location.

The minister’s comments go beyond mere rhetoric, as he has repeatedly flouted the Israeli government’s ban on Jewish prayer at the site. Ben-Gvir has visited the Al-Aqsa compound at least six times since taking office in December 2022, each visit drawing severe condemnation from various quarters. His actions and statements align with a growing movement in Israel that seeks to alter the status quo and increase Jewish presence and religious practices at the site.

Al-Aqsa Compound: A Focal Point of Tension

The Al-Aqsa compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Islam’s third holiest site and Judaism’s holiest, it holds immense religious and political significance. The current arrangement, in place for decades, allows non-Muslims to visit the site during specific hours but prohibits them from praying or displaying religious symbols.

This delicate balance has been increasingly challenged in recent years by hardline religious nationalists like Ben-Gvir. Their actions have often led to confrontations with Palestinians and raised fears about the potential for wider conflict. The minister’s latest comments have only served to heighten these concerns, with many viewing them as a direct threat to the site’s Muslim custodianship and the broader peace in the region.

International and Domestic Backlash

Ben-Gvir’s statements have drawn sharp criticism from various international and domestic actors. Jordan, which administers the Al-Aqsa compound through an agreement with Israel, responded forcefully. Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah emphasized that Al-Aqsa is a place of worship for Muslims and warned that Jordan would take all necessary measures to stop attacks on the holy sites, including preparing legal files for action in international courts.

Palestinian leaders also reacted strongly, with presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh declaring Al-Aqsa and the holy sites as a “red line” that cannot be crossed. Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, called Ben-Gvir’s comments “dangerous” and urged Arab and Islamic countries to take responsibility for protecting the holy sites.

Within Israel, the minister’s remarks have caused significant discord. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized Ben-Gvir’s statements as “dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” warning that they endanger Israel’s national security. Opposition leader Yair Lapid used the incident to attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming he had lost control of his government.

Notably, even some ultra-Orthodox Jewish politicians have denounced Ben-Gvir’s attempts to encourage Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has previously called such comments “blasphemy,” citing the historical position of Jewish religious leaders against prayer at the site.

The controversy surrounding Itamar Ben-Gvir’s statements about building a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa compound underscores the volatile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the central role that religious sites play in this tension. As the international community watches closely, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Jerusalem and the potential for religious disputes to escalate into broader conflicts.

The backlash against Ben-Gvir’s comments, both domestically and internationally, highlights the widespread recognition of the need to maintain the status quo at the Al-Aqsa compound. However, it also reveals the growing influence of hardline elements within Israeli politics that seek to challenge these long-standing arrangements. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Israeli government will balance these competing pressures and maintain stability at one of the world’s most contested religious sites.