Blinken: Ben Gvir showed blatant disregard for Temple Mount status quo at pivotal moment in hostage talks
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
After US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel condemned National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount earlier today, the Biden administration is doubling down on its censure with a statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken says Ben Gvir “demonstrated blatant disregard for the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem.”
“These provocative actions only exacerbate tensions at a pivotal moment when all focus should be on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of all hostages and create the conditions for broader regional stability,” Blinken says in a statement.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office has made clear that the actions of Minister Ben Gvir are inconsistent with Israeli policy,” he notes.
“We will look to the Government of Israel to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
“The United States reaffirms our commitment to the preservation of the historic status quo and will continue to oppose unilateral steps that are counterproductive to achieving peace and stability and undermine Israel’s security,” Blinken adds.
