Ben-Gvir says would build synagogue on Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
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In response, Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel urges Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Ben-Gvir from his role overseeing the police.
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Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, center, flanked by his security detail, approaches the entrance to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in the Old City of occupied al-Quds, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. (AP)
Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Monday that he would build a synagogue in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied city of al-Quds, sparking widespread criticism within the Israeli government.
Ben-Gvir told the Israeli Army Radio that "the policies on the Temple Mount allow prayer, period," referring to the Jewish name of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
After "Israel's" occupation of the eastern part of al-Quds, it made an arrangement that permitted Jews to visit al-Aqsa Mosque but not perform rituals there.
However, in recent years, the increasing number of Israeli settlers, some performing provocative rituals accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, has heightened longstanding Palestinian concerns that "Israel" intends to occupy the sacred Islamic site.
Asked if he would build a synagogue inside the site, the Israeli Minister answered, "Yes".
"The premier knows that when I joined the government I said in the simplest way that there will be no discrimination at the Temple Mount, just like Muslims can pray at the Western Wall," Ben-Gvir added.
In response, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Ben-Gvir from his role overseeing the police, warning that his "lack of thinking could be paid for in blood."
Netanyahu's office merely stated that "there is no change to the status quo on the Temple Mount," failing to mention Ben-Gvir in the statement.
In the same context, Security Minister Yoav Gallant also voiced concerns, warning that Ben-Gvir’s actions "endanger Israel’s national security and its international standing."
He stressed that undermining the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque is "dangerous, unnecessary and reckless."
On his part, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of being unable to control his government.
"The whole region sees Netanyahu’s weakness against Ben Gvir," Lapid posted on X.
"He can’t control the government even when it comes to a clear attempt to destabilize our national security."
Benny Gantz, former war cabinet minister and Knesset member, echoed similar sentiments, condemning Netanyahu for allowing "an irresponsible arsonist to bring us down into an abyss in exchange for political quiet."
Gantz warned that mere condemnations are insufficient and called on "responsible parties in the government and coalition" to take decisive action.
"History will judge you for being part of this dangerous endeavor."
Ben-Gvir's statements come a couple of weeks after hundreds of settlers, including the Israeli police minister, raided the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of occupation police forces.
The Islamic Endowments Department in al-Quds reported that 2,200 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque since morning, marking what is known as the anniversary of the "destruction of the temple."
At the time, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in occupied Palestine indicated that the settlers raised the entity's flag inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque at Bab al-Silsila while carrying out provocative tours inside the holy mosque.
It is noteworthy that in early July, Ben-Gvir declared during a speech at the so-called "Jerusalem Day Flag March," Israeli "sovereignty" over the al-Aqsa Mosque.
"Temple Mount is ours, Damascus Gate is ours, let the whole world know that," he said, adding, "Today, according to my policy, Jews entered the Old City freely. And on the Temple Mount Jews prayed freely. We say in the simplest way, it’s ours."
Ben-Gvir has included changes to the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque in his ministry's formal action plans. His plan aims to alter the status quo at the Mosque by taking control of the site and allowing access to Israeli settlers.
Read more: Ben-Gvir represents 'terrorists' in Israeli government: Haaretz
