Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, has sparked controversy after saying he feels like the “owner” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during a visit to the site in Jerusalem’s Old City.
His remarks, made on Sunday, have drawn sharp criticism and raised fresh concerns over the fragile status quo governing one of the world’s most sensitive religious sites.
Controversial remarks during visit
In a video released by his office, Ben-Gvir was heard saying, “Today, I feel like the owner here. There is still much to be done, and there is room for further improvement.”
He also indicated that he is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take additional measures, signaling his intent to expand Jewish access to the site.
Push for increased Jewish presence
Ben-Gvir’s comments are widely seen as part of a broader effort to increase Jewish presence and prayer rights at the compound, while potentially restricting Palestinian access.
The site had been closed to Palestinians for more than 40 days, preventing many from attending Friday prayers, as well as major religious observances such as Eid al-Fitr. It was reopened only recently.
Status quo under strain
Under a decades-old international arrangement, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is recognized as an Islamic holy site. While Jews are allowed to visit, they are not permitted to perform prayers there.
However, critics say Israel has increasingly allowed Jewish worshippers to pray at the site, often under police protection, raising tensions with Palestinians.
Even Israel’s own chief rabbinate has historically discouraged Jewish prayer at the compound on religious grounds.
Regional and Palestinian reactions
Jordan, which serves as the custodian of the site, condemned the visit, calling it a violation of the status quo and describing it as a “provocative and unacceptable escalation.”
The office of Mahmoud Abbas also warned that such actions could further destabilize the region.
Palestinian officials have repeatedly expressed concern that Israel may attempt to alter longstanding arrangements and allocate separate prayer spaces for Jewish worshippers at the compound.
Growing tensions
Ben-Gvir’s visit is the latest in a series of controversial actions at the site, which remains a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Repeated incursions and policy changes have heightened fears among Palestinians that the historical and religious character of the compound could be altered, potentially triggering further unrest in the region.
