Controversial Temple Mount Visit by Israeli Minister Sparks International Outrage
Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right Israeli politician, visited the Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av, a Jewish day of mourning, drawing criticism from Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and the US. Ben Gvir's visit marked his third as a cabinet minister and has sparked anger from the Arab world. Jordan warned that Israeli actions at the site threaten to escalate violence, while the US Embassy in Israel emphasized the importance of preserving the status quo. The Palestinian Authority accused Israel of attempting to Judaize the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Hamas condemned the visit as a dangerous escalation. The Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned the visit.