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Netanyahu Rejects Ben-Gvir's Declaration Allowing Jewish Prayer at Temple Mount During Knesset Conference

Jul 24, 2024, 11:43 AM

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has declared at a conference in the Knesset that Jews are now permitted to pray at the Temple Mount, a significant shift from the longstanding status quo that prohibited such practices. This announcement was made while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington discussing potential normalization with Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu has rejected Ben-Gvir's statement, affirming that the status quo at the Temple Mount remains unchanged. The declaration has sparked backlash from various quarters, including Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who accused Ben-Gvir of trying to ignite tensions in the Middle East. Ben-Gvir also attacked Gallant and Aryeh Deri, accusing them of opposing his inclusion in Netanyahu's new forum. The statement has led to public disputes within the Israeli government, with Interior Minister Moshe Arbel and other officials criticizing the move as a desecration of religious sanctity.