Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Security Minister, has once again drawn international attention with his contentious actions. On August 15, 2024, Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site of immense religious significance for both Muslims and Jews. This visit occurred at a particularly sensitive time, as negotiators were working towards a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is the third-holiest site in Islam and the holiest site in Judaism. Ben-Gvir's presence there, coupled with his statement advocating for Jewish prayer rights at the site, has sparked widespread condemnation.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, swiftly distanced himself from Ben-Gvir's actions, issuing a rebuke. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within Israel's current coalition government, which is considered the most right-wing in the nation's history.
Ben-Gvir's political career has been marked by controversy. In 2007, he was convicted of racist incitement and supporting a group designated as a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States. His ideological roots can be traced back to Meir Kahane, a rabbi who founded the Jewish Defense League in 1968 and advocated for the removal of Arab Israelis' citizenship.
Despite his extreme views, Ben-Gvir has played a crucial role in forming Netanyahu's government. His Jewish Power party, along with other far-right factions, holds significant influence in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel's parliament.
"I no longer advocate expulsion of all Palestinians, just those I deem traitors or terrorists."
Ben-Gvir's appointment as National Security Minister in 2022 raised concerns both domestically and internationally. His oversight of the Israeli police force, responsible for internal security and public order, has been a point of contention.
The minister's hardline stance extends to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He has consistently opposed negotiations with Hamas and pushed for an intensification of military operations, despite the rising Palestinian death toll.
Ben-Gvir's actions have strained Israel's relationship with its key ally, the United States. His rejection of a two-state solution and support for controversial settlement activities in the West Bank, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, have drawn criticism from the international community.
As Israel navigates complex domestic and international challenges, Ben-Gvir's provocative approach continues to be a source of tension. His recent visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in addressing the region's deep-rooted conflicts.