Israeli Minister's Controversial Visits to Holy Sites Spark Outrage

The US State Department has criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for his "provocative" visit to the Temple Mount, accusing him of using "inflammatory rhetoric" and politicizing the holy site. The statement also condemned Israel for lifting a ban on Israelis entering the area of the former Homesh outpost, paving the way for settlers to return and build a formal settlement there. The US reaffirmed its commitment to the status quo agreement governing the Temple Mount and to Jordan's "special role" regarding Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.