Israeli Minister Leads Incursion of Al-Aqsa Compound

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The Facts

  • Israel's right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound — a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem — on Thursday during the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av, prompting harsh rebukes from both Palestinian and regional leaders.

  • Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia all condemned Ben-Gvir's visit, with Saudi Arabia calling the move “a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world."


The Spin

Pro-Palestine narrative

Israel continues to escalate the situation in the Holy Land as its most radical ministers stage provocative gestures at Al-Aqsa. With extremists like Ben-Gvir holding key positions of power, Palestinians face unprecedented violence. Emboldened by international silence after killing more Palestinians last year than in any other calendar year since the Second Intifada, the occupation is becoming ever more violent.

Pro-Israel narrative

Even though the Temple Mount is the holiest place in Judaism, Israel maintains the status quo, as it has no interest in provoking the situation in the West Bank or Gaza. While the media focuses on Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount visits, Palestinian terrorists continue to plan attacks against Israeli civilians.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO