Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a minyan for Mincha on Har HaBayis today, marking the first time a sitting Israeli minister has been seen publicly davening at the site.
Ben Gvir was filmed leading the minyan on Har Habayis plaza — a site where the Beis HaMikdash once stood, and which remains, according to halacha, the holiest place on Earth.
While acts of private Jewish prayer have become increasingly visible in recent years on the Har HaBayis, Ben Gvir’s action is unprecedented in its official capacity and public visibility. Police reportedly detained an Arab man who shouted at the group during the tefillah, according to Arutz Sheva.
Speaking from the site, Ben Gvir declared:
“The horrific Hamas videos are aimed at one thing – pressuring the State of Israel. And I say this specifically from Har HaBayis, the place where we proved that sovereignty and governance are possible. From here we must send a clear message — conquer the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over all of Gaza, eliminate every Hamas terrorist, and encourage voluntary emigration. Only in this way will we bring the hostages home and win this war.”
Despite the minister’s actions and rhetoric, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement shortly after: “Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will remain unchanged.”
Saudi Arabia released a sharp rebuke, saying it “condemns in the strongest terms the repeated provocative practices by officials of the Israeli occupation authorities against Al-Aqsa Mosque,” warning that such actions “fuel the conflict in the region.”
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