Understand Saudi Arabia's Condemnation of Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa Statements
Saudi Arabia's Reaction to Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa Comments
Saudi Arabia has accused Israel’s ultranationalist national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of making extremist and inflammatory statements regarding al-Aqsa mosque.
The Al-Aqsa Compound's Sensitivity
The hilltop compound, known as Temple Mount for Jews, is a flashpoint that has sparked broader conflicts, including the second intifada and the 2021 war with Hamas.
- Ben-Gvir's insistence for Jewish prayer at the site
- Response from Saudi foreign ministry condemning continuous provocations
- Domestic backlash against Ben-Gvir within Israel
The Legal and Historical Context
Under the fragile “status quo” arrangement, only Muslims are permitted to pray at the al-Aqsa compound. Saudi Arabia called for respect of this historical and legal status.
- Ben-Gvir's statement on building a synagogue
- The ultraorthodox newspaper's criticism of Ben-Gvir
- Netanyahu's office intervention to clarify the status quo
Defence minister Yoav Gallant and other officials warned that Ben-Gvir's actions posed a significant risk to Israel's national security.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.