The recent visit of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Har Habayis (Temple Mount) in Yerushalayim has sparked controversy and outrage among various sectors of Israeli society. Moshe Gafni, a prominent figure in Israeli politics and leader of the Degel Hatorah faction, strongly condemned the minister’s actions, accusing him of desecrating a sacred site and potentially inciting violence.
This article explores the political and religious ramifications of Ben Gvir’s visit, as well as the growing tension surrounding Jewish access to the Har Habayis.
Moshe Gafni’s Sharp Criticism
Moshe Gafni, an influential member of the United Torah Judaism party, did not hold back in his criticism of Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit. Writing for the Israeli newspaper Yated Ne’eman, Gafni stated that Ben Gvir was “severely harming the sanctity of the place, inciting the whole world against the Jewish people, and leading to bloodshed.” Gafni’s remarks reflect the concerns of many within the chareidi community who believe that the sanctity of the Har Habayis must be preserved and that any Jewish involvement in its current political and religious issues is deeply problematic.
The Response from Netanyahu’s Office
The visit by Ben Gvir quickly drew a response from Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed that the longstanding policy at the Har Habayis remains unchanged: Jews are prohibited from praying at the site.
However, since Ben Gvir took control of the Israeli police, enforcement of this policy has been relaxed. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, many of whom are engaging in prayer and prostration during their visits, actions that have sparked further controversy.
Religious Leaders Weigh In
Ben Gvir’s actions have not gone unnoticed by religious leaders, particularly within the chareidi and religious Zionist communities. Moshe Gafni’s article noted that Ben Gvir’s visit had been met with protests from both rabbinical authorities and public officials.
While the chareidi community largely remains opposed to visiting the site due to its sanctity, there is a growing faction of the religious Zionist community that supports such pilgrimages. This division has led to heated debates about the proper approach to Jewish access to the Har Habayis.
A Growing Trend of Jewish Pilgrimages
Despite the opposition from many religious groups, the number of Jewish visitors to the Har Habayis has been steadily increasing. This trend is particularly evident among the religious Zionist community, which has gradually embraced the idea of ascending the Temple Mount. The issue has become a point of contention not only within the political sphere but also in the broader religious landscape of Israel.
The Sanctity of the Har Habayis
For many Jews, the Har Habayis holds immense spiritual significance, representing the location of the First and Second Temples. However, due to the complex political and religious realities surrounding the site, access for Jews has been a sensitive and contentious issue. The question of whether Jews should be allowed to pray at the site is deeply debated, with leading religious authorities asserting that it is “assur” (forbidden) for Jews to engage in prayer there.
The Political and Religious Implications
Ben Gvir’s actions have raised questions about the intersection of politics and religion in Israel. His decision to visit the Har Habayis, along with the growing number of Jewish visitors, has significant implications for the status quo and the delicate balance between maintaining religious traditions and political power. For some, the relaxation of enforcement measures is seen as a step toward reclaiming Jewish rights to the site, while others fear that it could escalate tensions and provoke violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it controversial for Jews to visit the Har Habayis?
Visiting the Har Habayis is controversial because of its deep religious significance and the complex political and religious issues surrounding the site. Many religious authorities believe it is forbidden for Jews to pray there due to the sanctity of the location.
2. What is Moshe Gafni’s main criticism of Ben Gvir’s visit?
Gafni criticizes Ben Gvir for desecrating the sacredness of the Har Habayis and inciting violence. He argues that such actions could lead to bloodshed and further tensions.
3. What is the current policy regarding Jewish prayer at the Har Habayis?
The longstanding policy prohibits Jews from praying at the Har Habayis. However, since Ben Gvir assumed control of the police, enforcement of this prohibition has become more lenient, leading to an increase in Jewish prayer at the site.
4. What has been the reaction from religious leaders to Ben Gvir’s visit?
Many religious leaders, particularly within the chareidi community, have strongly opposed Ben Gvir’s visit, viewing it as a violation of the sanctity of the site. Protests have been voiced by both rabbinical authorities and public officials.
5. Has the number of Jewish visitors to the Har Habayis increased in recent years?
Yes, the number of Jewish visitors to the Har Habayis has been steadily increasing, especially among the religious Zionist community, despite opposition from some religious groups.
6. What are the political implications of this controversy?
The controversy has raised questions about the relationship between politics and religion in Israel, with some viewing the relaxation of policies as an attempt to assert Jewish rights to the site, while others fear it could exacerbate tensions and violence.
Conclusion
The visit by Itamar Ben Gvir to the Har Habayis has ignited a fierce debate within Israeli society, highlighting the delicate balance between religious tradition and political maneuvering. While some see it as a step towards asserting Jewish presence at a historically significant site, others view it as a dangerous provocation that could escalate tensions and lead to violence. As the situation continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding the Har Habayis are likely to remain a key point of contention in Israeli politics and religious discourse.