Ben Gvir says Israel ‘victorious’ on Temple Mount two years after Oct. 7, leads prayers at site

Speaking from the Temple Mount, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says Israel is “victorious” at the site two years after October 7.

“We are now two years since the terrible massacre… Every house in Gaza has a picture of the Temple Mount, and now, two years later, we are victorious on the Temple Mount, we are the landlords on the Temple Mount,” says the minister, standing before the Dome of the Rock.

Footage shared by his office shows Ben Gvir leading prayers near the eastern wall of the Temple Mount complex.

Under a status quo arrangement between Israel and Jordan, Jews are ostensibly barred from praying at the site.

But the past year has seen a major shift on the ground, with police permitting Jewish worshipers to pray and even prostrate themselves in certain areas further from the Dome of the Rock.

The far-right politician further calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the destruction of Hamas and “total victory” in Gaza, amid fast-moving talks for a hostage and ceasefire deal.