Far-right MK Ben Gvir: Hamas threats ‘increase motivation’ to visit Temple Mount

Far-right MK Itamar Ben Gvir defends his decision to visit the Temple Mount hours ahead of the controversial Jerusalem Day Flag March, despite threats from the Hamas terror group.

“It increases my motivation. What happened if Hamas threatened to close down the State of Israel? Today it is the Temple Mount, tomorrow the Nablus Gate, and then maybe also Jaffa, Lod and Tel Aviv,” the lawmaker tells the Kan public broadcaster.

Police reportedly believe that while the extremist MK’s visit to the site could lead to a significant escalation, any consequent clashes could be contained and controlled.

Ben Gvir, seen by many as a provocateur, last visited the holy site in March. His previous visits to sensitive sites, including the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah last spring, have served to ratchet up tensions and fighting.