From the Liveblog of
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Ben Gvir says he prayed on Temple Mount; PM’s office: ‘Status quo has not changed’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleFar-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says he prayed during a visit to the flashpoint Temple Mount this morning.
Ben Gvir, who has repeatedly asserted a Jewish right to prayer at the site, writes on X that he prayed for the “safety of our soldiers, the speedy return of the hostages, and a total victory.”
Jews are not officially allowed to pray at the Temple Mount, but the Israel Police, which comes under the purview of Ben Gvir’s ministry, has increasingly tolerated limited prayer.
It is unclear if Ben Gvir, who has expressed support for a synagogue being placed atop the Temple Mount, openly prayed today.
In response to Ben Gvir’s announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office issues a statement saying “the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed.”
The vague status quo governing the compound allows Muslims to pray and generally enter with few restrictions, while non-Muslims, including Jews, can visit only during limited time slots.
With police turning a blind eye, Jewish worshipers who in years past would have been removed for merely silently mouthing a prayer, have even begun prostrating themselves on the mount.
עליתי הבוקר למקום מקדשנו, לתפילה לשלום חיילנו, להחזרת כל החטופים במהרה ולניצחון המוחלט בעזרת השם. pic.twitter.com/uSBQCk64aZ
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) December 26, 2024
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