Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount to mark Tisha B'Av, says Jews feel like 'rightful owners'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended the Temple Mount on Thursday, joining Jewish worshipers observing Tisha B'Av, the Jewish day of mourning. During his visit, Ben-Gvir stated that Jews praying at the site felt they were "the rightful owners" of the holy place, a sentiment he claimed was not present before.

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Jews are praying and feel that they are the rightful owners of this place.

Ben-Gvir, accompanied by Development of the Negev and Galilee Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf, observed "tremendous progress on the Temple Mount." He also noted a significant reduction in terrorist attacks, stating they had decreased by 85%. Ben-Gvir asserted that "people understand that the State of Israel is the sovereign here," adding that more progress would be made.

The visit, which included prayer, occurred during the limited hours allowed for non-Muslims to visit the site, where they are strictly prohibited from praying according to the established status quo. Ben-Gvir has a history of visiting the Temple Mount during Jewish holidays and has previously stated that the status quo no longer exists.

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Everywhere, people understand that the State of Israel is the sovereign here. There is still more to do, and with God’s help, we will continue to move forward.

In response to Ben-Gvir's visit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a strong condemnation. The ministry described the trip and the actions taken as a "flagrant violation of the prevailing historical and legal status quo at the Noble Sanctuary, a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque, a condemned escalation, a barbaric act, and unacceptable provocation." MK Gilad Kariv also condemned the visit.

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a flagrant violation of the prevailing historical and legal status quo at the Noble Sanctuary, a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque, a condemned escalation, a barbaric act, and unacceptable provocation.