"I Am the Owner": Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Sparks Outrage with Al-Aqsa Visit
During a controversial visit on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Ben-Gvir asserted his perceived authority over the grounds, which are among the holiest in Islam. In a video released by his office, the minister stated that being on the premises made him feel like the rightful owner and vowed to pressure the Prime Minister to ensure greater access and rights for Jewish worshippers at the site, claiming that the current situation requires further "improvement."
The timing of the visit has been labeled as highly provocative, occurring just as Israeli authorities finally reopened the mosque to Palestinian worshippers after a 40-day closure. This prolonged shutdown forced Palestinian Muslims to miss essential religious observances, including the holy month of Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr, and multiple Friday prayers. Ben-Gvir’s presence and rhetoric are viewed by Palestinians as a direct affront and a deliberate attempt to undermine the fragile peace that usually follows such reopenings. The move has reignited fears of a fresh wave of violence in a region already reeling from months of high-intensity conflict.
Jordan, the official legal custodian of the Al-Aqsa site, issued a scathing condemnation of the visit, describing it as a flagrant violation of the long-standing "status quo" agreement. Amman characterized the minister’s actions as a "desecration of holiness" and an "unacceptable provocation" that threatens to derail regional stability. Similarly, the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that such irresponsible behavior by a high-ranking Israeli official could push the area toward an uncontrollable religious and political escalation.
The international community, including several Muslim-majority nations and global organizations, has echoed these concerns, reminding Israel of its international legal obligations to protect the sanctity of religious sites. Historically, tensions at the Al-Aqsa compound have served as a flashpoint for wider regional wars, making this latest incident a matter of urgent global concern. Despite the mounting criticism, Ben-Gvir has shown no signs of softening his ultranationalist stance, leaving the diplomatic world on high alert as religious and political tensions in Jerusalem reach a breaking point.
