Arabs Livid Over Ben-Gvir Synagogue View in Al Aqsa

In a dangerous provocation to Muslims in the West Bank, Gaza and the Arab and Muslim worlds, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he intends to build a Jewish synagogue within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This is a site that is revered by Muslims worldwide.

The Ben-Gvir statement was reported by Israel’s Army Radio, where he claimed that Israeli law grants equal rights to Muslims and Jews to conduct prayers at the holy mosque as reported in the Quds News Network.

Meanwhile Jordan condemned such a statement. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called it as “a violation of international law and an unacceptable provocation that requires a clear-cut international position condemning it.”

It stated Ben-Gvir’s statement “fuels extremism and endeavors to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites through imposing new facts and practices driven by a bigoted exclusionary narrative.”

It stressed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque site is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims, and the Jordan-run Jerusalem Waqf Department is the legal entity supervising Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs.

As well, Egypt, Monday, denounced Ben-Gvir’s call to build a synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, stating what he says heightens tension in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The country’s Foreign Ministry said Israel is legally responsible for adhering to the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and preserving Islamic and Christian sanctities.

It also demanded Israel comply with its obligations as an occupying power, and “stop such provocative statements aimed at further escalation and tension in the region.”

The ministry added that Ben-Gvir’s statement against Al-Aqsa Mosque further complicates and aggravates the situation across the Palestinian territories, and hinders efforts to reach a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to distance himself from Ben-Gvir. However all he said is that the status quo on the Al Aqsa Mosque remains unchanged.