SEAToday.com, Tel Aviv - Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would like to build a synagogue in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in the occupied East Jerusalem. His comment sparked outrage from a number of countries and communities.

“If I could do what I wanted, a synagogue would also be established on the Temple Mount,” he said in an interview. 

The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is Islam’s third holiest site and is considered to be a symbol of the Palestinian identity.  Under the decades-old status quo maintained by Israeli authorities, non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specific hours but not allowed to pray or display religious symbols. 

Israeli PM Office issued a statement on Monday (8/26) saying that there had been no change in the Al-Aqsa’s status quo. 

Ben-Gvir’s comments were widely condemned, including by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Indonesia, and the United Nations. Several Israeli ministers also criticized him, including the Defense Minister Yoav Gallant who said, “Challenging the status quo on the Temple Mount is a dangerous, unnecessary, and irresponsible act. Ben Gvir’s actions endanger the national security of the state of Israel and its international status.”