DUBAI — Gulf states have raised issues about violations of the Haram al-Sharif compound in Jerusalem, which Jews name Temple Mount, because the struggle in Gaza drags on. Led by Riyadh on Tuesday, nations within the Gulf condemned statements by a far-right Israeli minister who known as for the development of a synagogue within the Al-Aqsa advanced, certainly one of Islam’s holiest websites.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s nationwide safety minister, mentioned in an interview on Monday that Jews, who’re forbidden from praying on the web site, must be allowed to take action and {that a} synagogue must be constructed there.
“The coverage on the Temple Mount permits praying there. Interval,” Ben-Gvir mentioned. “The prime minister knew after I joined the federal government there wouldn’t be any discrimination. Muslims are allowed to wish, and a Jew isn’t allowed to wish?”
Gulf reactions
Saudi Arabia mentioned it categorically rejected “extremist and provocative statements” made by Ben-Gvir and “the continuing provocations of Muslims’ emotions all over the world.” Riyadh additionally confused the necessity to “respect the historic and authorized standing of Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
Saudi Arabia, which is dwelling to the 2 holiest websites in Islam, Mecca, and Medina, has beforehand spoken out in opposition to Israeli actions on Al-Aqsa in addition to the rising dying toll in Gaza, which topped 40,000 on Aug. 15.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to satisfy Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday to debate the battle, which is nearing its Eleventh-month mark.
In a separate assertion, the UAE’s Overseas Ministry on Tuesday additionally known as on Israel to respect the “historic and authorized standing” of Jerusalem. It known as on Israel to “present full safety” to Al-Aqsa Mosque and “halt severe provocative violations” going down there.
Abu Dhabi additionally known as on Tel Aviv to respect Jordan’s purview of the Jerusalem holy websites. The UAE mentioned it could assist Amman’s efforts to safe the holy websites.
The mosque advanced is of historic significance to Jews, believed to be the positioning of two Jewish temples. The current-day mosque advanced together with the Dome of the Rock was constructed within the seventh and eighth centuries by Muslim rulers. On account of its deep spiritual significance to Jewish and Muslim communities, the advanced has typically confirmed to be a flashpoint web site, significantly throughout instances of battle.
The location as we speak is managed by the Jordanian Waqf per a 1967 established order. The Waqf controls every day operations of the world and permits just for Islamic worship. The Israeli police management entry to the positioning, permitting non-Muslim vacationers however prevents worshipers from different faiths.
Qatar’s Overseas Ministry additionally mentioned in a press release that Ben-Gvir’s feedback have been a “provocation” of the emotions of Muslims all over the world.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which represents Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, additionally condemned Ben-Gvir’s feedback. Jasim Al-Budaiwi, the secretary normal of the GCC, dismissed the assertion as “outlandish” and “preposterous” and mentioned it continues to “inflame the state of affairs” and trigger extra instability within the area.
Why it issues
Saudi and Emirati reactions come amid elevated frustration from each states towards the federal government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020 with the Abraham Accords, which additionally included Bahrain. The accords allowed for flights and commerce ties between each states, whereas vacationers with Israeli passports can go to the UAE and commerce flows picked up between either side.
In the meantime, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed mentioned in an interview in September 2023 that each Israel and Saudi Arabia have been “inching nearer” to normalization. Riyadh seeks normalization with Israel in return for a US protection pact and to kick begin its civilian nuclear program, although it has demanded that Israel decide to a reputable path for Palestinian statehood with a view to advance normalization talks.
Ben-Gvir’s previous
Israel’s far-right nationwide safety minister has agitated for Jewish worship at Haram al-Sharif/ Temple Mount regardless of opposition from his personal authorities in regards to the safety dangers posed by disruptions to the established order settlement.
Gulf issues stem from Ben-Gvir’s earlier makes an attempt to make a Passover sacrifice on the mosque advanced; makes an attempt to revive the traditional Jewish custom of sacrifice on the advanced have been thwarted amid widespread condemnation.
Ben-Gvir, who has a historical past of anti-Muslim provocations, additionally demanded a ban or extreme restrictions on the entry of West Financial institution Palestinians to the Haram al-Sharif throughout Ramadan this 12 months.
“In no way ought to residents of the Palestinian Authority be allowed to enter Israeli territory,” Ben-Gvir mentioned, citing what he known as widespread assist within the West Financial institution for the Hamas assault on Oct. 7.
Nonetheless, Yishai Fleisher, a former spokesperson for Ben-Gvir who presently represents the Hebron Jewish neighborhood, instructed Al-Monitor that the rights of Jews to wish on the Temple Mount must be revered.
He additionally urged Saudi Arabia and Gulf states to acknowledge Israel as a buying and selling accomplice and give attention to financial and commerce ties that might result in peace.
To disclaim Jewish rights to wish on the Temple Mount is an “absurdity,” he mentioned.
