Israel's new security minister comes to the Temple Mount with a police escort, thereby provoking militant Palestinians. They speak of a coming "religious war". The first rocket launch from the Gaza Strip, however, has a false start.
After the controversial visit to the Temple Mount by the new Israeli police minister, militant Palestinians in the Gaza Strip tried to fire a rocket towards Israel. The launch of the rocket on Tuesday evening failed, however, the Israeli army said. It fell over the Gaza Strip. So far there have been no reports of injuries or even deaths.
Despite warnings, Israel's new Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning. Militant Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip spoke of a "dangerous escalation and provocation" and warned of a "religious war" in the region. They called on Palestinians in the West Bank to intensify confrontations with the Israeli army "to protect the al-Aqsa mosque".
The Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) with the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. But it is also sacred to Jews because there used to be two Jewish temples there. The Temple Mount is under Muslim administration while Israel is responsible for security. According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews can visit the facility but not pray there. However, there are always violations. Ben-Gvir had criticized this agreement as "racist" and as discrimination against Jews.
Palestinians have accused Israel of wanting to expand its control over the holy site. The visit caused irritation in the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to live up to his campaign promises to maintain the status quo, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Criticism also came from France, Saudi Arabia and many other countries. Ben-Gvir of the far-right Ozma Jehudit is considered a political arsonist, especially with regard to the Palestinians. He is part of Benjamin Netanyahu's new right-wing religious government.
