Far-Right Israeli Minister Visits Flashpoint Site
Palestinians have condemned a visit to a contested holy site in Jerusalem by a far right Israeli minister as an “unprecedented provocation.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has called for a harder line towards the Palestinians, walked around the site surrounded by police.
Competing claims to the compound bitterly divide Israel and the Palestinians.
Tensions have risen with the advent of Israel’s new nationalistic government.
Mr Ben-Gvir’s visit was his first public act since the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was sworn in five days ago.
The hilltop site is the most sacred place in Judaism and third holiest in Islam. It is known to Jews as the Temple Mount, site of two Biblical temples, and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the site of Muhammad’s ascent to Heaven.
Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to go there but not pray, though Palestinians see visits by Jews as attempts to change the delicate status quo.
The most religious and hard-line government in Israel’s history has been sworn in.
Benjamin Netanyahu returns as prime minister, after his Likud party formed a coalition with ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies.
There is domestic and international concern it will inflame the conflict with the Palestinians, damage the judiciary and restrict minority rights.
Restore Governance
Mr Netanyahu has promised to pursue peace and safeguard civil rights.
Addressing a special session of the Knesset, Parliament, in Jerusalem, he stated that his administration would “restore governance, peace and personal security to the citizens of Israel.”
“I hear the opposition’s constant laments about ‘the end of the state’, ‘the end of democracy’, members of the opposition, losing the elections is not the end of democracy – this is the essence of democracy.”
They suggest he has been ‘forced to sign deals’ with hard-line parties because more liberal ones refuse to sit in government with him while he is on trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing.
Several hundred protesters meanwhile gathered outside, waving Israeli flags, rainbow flags bearing the Star of David, and signs reading “shame,” “danger” and “down with racism.”
Mor, a woman from Jerusalem, told the BBC: “I’m here because my country’s falling apart from its democratic values.”
This is a record sixth term as prime minister for Mr Netanyahu, who was ousted by his opponents 18 months ago, but his coalition partners are pledging to lead the country in a new direction.
The first guiding principle of the new government, published on Wednesday, declares that “the Jewish people have an exclusive and unquestionable right to all areas of the land of Israel.” It says that includes the occupied West Bank and promises to ‘advance and develop’ settlements there.
BBC /Shakirat Sadiq
