On May 16, 2021, Israeli Cabinet Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, one of the most sensitive holy sites in the world. Smotrich is a member of the far-right Religious Zionism party and has been known for his extremist views on issues such as settlements and LGBTQ+ rights. His visit to the Temple Mount has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential for violence in the already tense region.
The Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, is a holy site for both Jews and Muslims. It is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. The area has been a flashpoint for conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for decades, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the site.
Smotrich’s visit to the Temple Mount was seen by many as a provocation, as he has previously called for the construction of a Jewish temple on the site. This idea is highly controversial and has been rejected by both the Palestinian Authority and many Israelis who fear it could lead to a violent escalation of the conflict.
In response to Smotrich’s visit, Palestinian officials condemned the move and called on Israel to respect the status quo at the site. The Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riyad al-Maliki, accused Smotrich of trying to “impose a new reality” at the site and warned that such actions could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”
The Israeli government has defended Smotrich’s right to visit the site, but has also sought to downplay the significance of his visit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that “the Temple Mount is open to all visitors and there is no change in its status quo.” However, many Palestinians see Smotrich’s visit as part of a broader Israeli effort to assert control over the site and erode Palestinian claims to it.
The Temple Mount has been the site of numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in recent years. In 2017, tensions boiled over when Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the site, sparking protests and violence that left several people dead. The incident highlighted the sensitivity of the site and the potential for even minor changes to spark a major conflict.
Smotrich’s visit to the Temple Mount is just the latest example of the ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over the holy site. While both sides claim a right to the area, any attempt to change the status quo is likely to be met with resistance and could lead to violence. As such, it is important for all parties to respect the sanctity of the site and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
