Ben Gvir’s Al-Aqsa Visit Sparks Jordanian Condemnation and Regional Tensions
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, declaring himself the "owner" and advocating for expanded Jewish prayer rights. This act violated the longstanding Status Quo agreement, prompting strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian authorities who labeled it a provocative desecration. The incident occurred shortly after the site’s reopening following a 40-day closure, exacerbating regional tensions. While no immediate unrest was reported, the event underscores fragile diplomatic relations and escalating conflicts over holy site administration in the Middle East.
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Israel's Ben Gvir Claims 'Ownership' of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound During Visit
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked controversy by declaring he feels like the "owner" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. The far-right minister made these remarks during a visit to the site, which is one of Islam's holiest locations, just days after Israeli authorities reopened the complex to Palestinian worshippers following a closure lasting over a month. In a video distributed by his office, Ben Gvir stated that there is still more work to be done and revealed that he is actively pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expand Jewish access and presence at the site. His comments highlight ongoing tensions regarding control and access rights at the sensitive religious location. The incident occurs amidst broader efforts by Israeli officials to increase Jewish worshipper presence while simultaneously restricting Palestinian access, raising concerns about potential escalation in the region. This development underscores the fragile nature of the status quo at Al-Aqsa and the political pressures exerted by right-wing factions within the Israeli government on religious sites in East Jerusalem.
Section FeedBen Gvir Claims 'Ownership' of Al-Aqsa Compound Amid Controversial Raid
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared he feels like the 'owner' of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during a controversial raid on the holy site in Jerusalem. The visit occurred shortly after Israeli authorities reopened the complex to Palestinian worshippers following an unprecedented 40-day closure that barred access during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Ben Gvir stated his intention to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for greater access and prayer rights for Jewish worshippers, challenging the decades-old Status Quo agreement that governs the site. This arrangement traditionally recognizes Islamic control over worship and maintenance while allowing Jewish visits but prohibiting prayer. Jordan, the official custodian of the site, condemned Ben Gvir’s actions as a violation of the status quo and an unacceptable provocation. Similarly, the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that such escalations could further destabilize the region. The incident highlights growing tensions as ultranationalist incursions increase, raising fears among Palestinians and international observers that Israel seeks to alter the historical rules governing one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world.
Section FeedPalestinians Condemn Ben-Gvir's Incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, marking his third incursion this year and drawing sharp condemnation from Palestinian and Jordanian officials. Accompanied by Israeli settlers under heavy police protection, Ben-Gvir performed Jewish prayers at the site, an act that violates the long-standing status quo arrangement prohibiting non-Muslim worship there. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry labeled the visit a desecration and unacceptable provocation, while the Palestinian Authority described it as a blatant violation of historical and legal norms. Ben-Gvir, who has visited the site at least 16 times since 2022, stated he feels like the owner and is pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for further actions. The incident occurred shortly after the mosque reopened to Palestinian worshippers following a 40-day closure linked to Israel’s conflict with Iran. Concurrently, Israeli forces continued raids in the occupied West Bank, arresting at least 18 Palestinians and injuring others in Nablus and Dheisheh refugee camp. This event highlights escalating tensions at the holy site amidst broader regional conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraIsrael's Ben-Gvir Visits Al-Aqsa Compound, Drawing Jordanian Condemnation
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on April 12, 2026, asserting his intent to secure greater access and prayer rights for Jewish worshippers. The site, known as Temple Mount to Jews and Al-Aqsa to Muslims, is governed by a delicate status quo arrangement administered by Jordan, which prohibits non-Muslim prayer. Ben-Gvir’s visit, during which he claimed to have prayed and stated he felt like the owner of the site, triggered strong condemnation from Jordan. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry labeled the act a violation of the status quo, a desecration of sanctity, and an unacceptable provocation. While Ben-Gvir’s office emphasized his push for expanded Jewish access, there was no immediate comment from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, though previous incidents prompted reassurances of maintaining the status quo. Despite recent closures linked to regional conflicts involving Iran, no immediate unrest was reported following the visit. This event underscores ongoing tensions regarding religious rights and sovereignty at one of the Middle East’s most sensitive holy sites.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastBen Gvir Visits Al-Aqsa, Claims Ownership; Jordan Condemns Provocation
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir conducted a controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied Jerusalem, an act that has sparked significant diplomatic backlash. During the visit, Ben Gvir recorded a video stating, "Today, I feel like the owner here," and emphasized his intent to push the Prime Minister for further actions to strengthen Israeli presence at the site. He declared that there is still more to improve and that they must continue rising higher. In immediate response, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, asserting that the visit constitutes a clear violation of the Status Quo agreement, which mandates that the holy site be administered by a Jordanian foundation. Jordan described Ben Gvir's actions as a desecration of the mosque's sanctity, labeling the event a condemnable escalation and an unacceptable provocation. This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious sites in Jerusalem and underscores the fragile nature of regional diplomatic agreements concerning the administration of holy places.
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