State Department: Ben Gvir ‘sowing chaos, undermining Israel’s security’ with Temple Mount remarks

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration accuses National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of “sowing chaos” and “undermining Israel’s security” in its harshest critique yet of the hardline cabinet member.

The statement from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller comes in response to Ben Gvir’s comments earlier this week expressing support for the establishment of a synagogue on the flashpoint Temple Mount.

This initiative “would demonstrate blatant disregard for the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem,” says Miller.

“The ongoing reckless statements and actions of this minister only sow chaos and exacerbate tensions at a moment when Israel must stand united against threats from Iran and its proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. They directly undermine Israel’s security,” he adds.

It follows a biting critique that White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby issued earlier this month against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over the latter’s opposition to the hostage-release and ceasefire deal being negotiated by the Biden administration. Kirby accused Smotrich of endangering the lives of the hostages.

The Biden administration held a high-level meeting in June where the idea of sanctioning both Ben Gvir and Smotrich was raised but ultimately dismissed for the time being, two senior US officials have told The Times of Israel.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office has made clear that the actions and statements of Minister Ben Gvir are inconsistent with the Government of Israel’s policy, and a number of responsible voices in the Israeli government have condemned them. It is critical that the Government of Israel continue to ensure its policy is adhered to,” Miller says.

“The United States reaffirms our commitment to the preservation of the historic status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites and will continue to oppose unilateral steps that are counterproductive to achieving peace and stability and undermine Israel’s security,” the State Department spokesperson adds.