UAE, Saudi, others condemn Israeli minister’s visit to Jerusalem holy site

Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif could hurt the new far-right Israeli government's relations with Arab states and Turkey.

Adam Lucente
Adam Lucente
This picture taken from the Mount of Olives shows a view of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2023.
This picture taken from the Mount of Olives shows a view of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and its Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2023. — Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to a contested Jerusalem holy site Tuesday has sparked a diplomatic outcry. 

What happened: Ben-Gvir, a hardline politician, took office along with the rest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet last week. Almost immediately, Ben-Gvir began planning a visit to the Temple Mount, aka Haram al-Sharif. The site is holy to both Jews and Muslims and is a frequent flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions. 

After meeting Netanyahu Monday, Ben-Gvir said he would postpone the visit. The Palestinian armed group Hamas threatened escalation should Ben-Gvir head to the holy site. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid also warned “people will die,” according to The Times of Israel. 

 

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