Netanyahu’s far-right partners jeopardize Israeli ties with Jordan, Egypt
Statements by future National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and by his party colleague Avi Maoz are putting ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt at risk.
A delegation of Temple Mount activists led by Ayala Ben-Gvir met yesterday with senior Jerusalem police officers, raising the issue of prayers at the Temple Mount and various technical issues pertaining to Jewish visits there.
The meeting in itself was not unusual, as several such meetings have taken place in recent years. Still, for the wife of Itamar Ben-Gvir, soon to be appointed national security minister, to organize such a meeting right now was anything but trivial.
The new government, with its religious and far-right elements, will clearly face a multitude of diplomatic challenges. One of the most volatile issues is the Temple Mount, a central topic in Israel’s relations with Jordan and with the Palestinians.
Ben-Gvir is a frequent visitor of the site and has a long history there. Shortly after the publication of the Nov. 1 election results, he said he intends to continue ascending the Temple Mount. In a Nov. 27 interview, Ben-Gvir referred to the ban on Jews praying at the site, saying, "As minister of national security, I will do everything to prevent racist policies on the Temple Mount." Other Jewish Power party legislators echoed this statement, declaring that they will also continue their provocative activities.
