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Sovereignty and Tensions

Ben-Gvir Calls for Gaza Occupation During Tisha B’Av Visit to Temple Mount | WATCH

National Security Minister Ben-Gvir advocates for full Israeli control over Gaza during Tisha B'Av visit to Temple Mount, drawing criticism from Jordan and clarification from PMO.

Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Temple Mount

Today's morning, during a visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City for Tisha B’Av, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made a forceful statement calling for full Israeli control over the Gaza Strip.

As a statement following his ascent to the contested holy site, Ben-Gvir said, “The horrific videos released by Hamas are meant to pressure Israel,” referencing disturbing new footage aired Saturday night of hostage Evyatar David being forced to dig his own grave in a Hamas tunnel.

“I say this precisely from here, the Temple Mount, where we’ve proven sovereignty is possible, that a clear message must be sent: The entire Gaza Strip must be occupied, sovereignty declared, Hamas uprooted, and voluntary emigration promoted. Only then will we return the hostages and win the war,” he said.
Itamar Ben-Gvir Tisha B'Av 2025
Itamar Ben-Gvir Tisha B'Av 2025 (Photo: Flash90/Chaim Goldberg)

Ben-Gvir was among hundreds of Jewish visitors who entered the Temple Mount complex to commemorate Tisha B’Av, the day of mourning that marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

In response to his visit, the Prime Minister's Office issued a clarification that "Israel's policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change."

Knesset members Amit Halevi (Likud) and Sharren Haskel (New Hope–United Right) also joined the visit.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as a “storming” of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it “a flagrant violation of international law” and “an unacceptable provocation.” The ministry further emphasized Jordan’s position that Israel holds no sovereignty over the site.

The Temple Mount, known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and statements made at the site frequently draw sharp international responses.
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