WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State strongly opposed the proposal made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to construct a synagogue on Jerusalem’s Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount).
The suggested Jewish place of worship, according to the State Department, would “demonstrate blatant disregard for the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem.”
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, conveyed the administration’s stance, declaring that the “ongoing reckless statements and actions of this minister only sow chaos and exacerbate tensions at a moment when Israel must stand united against threats from Iran and its proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.” Miller emphasized that these actions directly undermine Israel’s security.
The Office of the Prime Minister has denied any alteration to the status quo, which permits Jews to visit the Temple Mount but prohibits them from praying there. This policy was established after Israel reclaimed the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967. “There is no change to the status quo,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
During an interview with Israel’s Army Radio on Monday, Ben-Gvir was repeatedly asked if he would construct a synagogue on the Temple Mount, to which he responded, “yes.” This prompted a swift reaction from the State Department, with Miller reiterating the Biden administration’s commitment to the Temple Mount status quo and urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to uphold the policy.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office has made clear that the actions and statements of Minister Ben-Gvir are inconsistent with the government of Israel’s policy, and a number of responsible voices in the Israeli government have condemned them,” Miller said. “It is critical that the government of Israel continue to ensure its policy is adhered to.”
The Temple Mount is a highly sensitive and contested site, considered the third-holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina, and the holiest in Judaism as the former site of the two Jewish Temples. Ben-Gvir’s comments have drawn condemnation from several Muslim countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
The State Department’s strong opposition to Ben-Gvir’s proposal underscores the delicate nature of the situation in Jerusalem and the potential for further escalation of tensions in the region. The Biden administration’s commitment to the status quo and its call for the Israeli government to maintain its policy reflect the ongoing efforts to preserve stability and prevent a potentially volatile situation from spiraling out of control.