Is Israel’s Security Minister Igniting Tensions? The Controversial Visit to Jerusalem’s Holy Site

With U.S.-Iran talks stalled and prospects for a ceasefire uncertain, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a prominent far-right figure in Israel’s cabinet, has drawn controversy by visiting and praying at Jerusalem’s contested holy site.

Video released by Arab media on April 12 (local time) shows Ben-Gvir visiting the Old City’s holy compound—known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif and to Israelis as the Temple Mount—where he spread his arms, clapped and led loud communal prayers that morning.

At the site, Ben-Gvir told those present, “Today you will feel like owners of this place,” signaling an intent to assert control. He added, “This is a complete change. I am pressing Prime Minister Netanyahu harder and more persistently to expand Jewish access to and prayer rights at the holy site.”

Jordan, which administers the compound, immediately pushed back. In a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry “strongly condemned the unacceptable intrusion by a far-right minister,” saying the entire complex is “a place of worship exclusively for Muslims” and falls under the sole jurisdiction of the Jordanian Waqf (a religious trust).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not comment separately on Ben-Gvir’s actions.

The Temple Mount is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, and sits on the former location of the Jewish Temples. Since Israel captured it in the 1967 Third Middle East War, authorities have generally allowed Jewish visitors while maintaining a status quo that prohibits Jewish prayer on the site.

Ben-Gvir has long pressed for Jewish prayer rights at the compound and has repeatedly visited since taking office despite international criticism.

His latest visit drew particular attention because it came amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah, raising questions about its timing and motives.