Saudi Arabia denounces Ben Gvir for saying he’d support synagogue on Temple Mount

Saudi Arabia denounces far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after he voiced support for putting a synagogue on the flashpoint Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City

A statement released by the Saudi foreign ministry doesn’t name Ben Gvir, instead referring to him as “a minister in the Israeli occupation government.”

“The kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of these extremist and inflammatory statements, and its rejection of the ongoing provocations of the feelings of Muslims around the world,” the statement says. “The kingdom stresses the need to respect the historical and legal status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, renewing its call to the international community to assume its responsibilities in putting an end to the humanitarian catastrophe endured by the brotherly Palestinian people and activating serious mechanisms to hold Israeli officials accountable for the ongoing violations of international laws, norms and resolutions.”