From Temple Mount, Ben-Gvir says ‘entire Gaza Strip must be occupied’
After Ben-Gvir’s visit, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that Israel’s status quo on the Temple Mount “has not changed and will not change”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended the Temple Mount on Sunday to pray, where he called for Israeli sovereignty over Gaza, he announced in a social media post.
“The horror videos released by Hamas are meant to pressure Israel,” Ben Gvir said, referring to new footage released by Hamas on Saturday showing hostage Evyatar David in a tunnel being forced to dig his grave.
“I say this precisely from here – from the Temple Mount, where we’ve proven sovereignty is possible – that a clear message must be sent: The entire Gaza Strip must be occupied, sovereignty declared, Hamas uprooted, and voluntary emigration promoted. Only then will we return the hostages and win the war.”
Ben-Gvir and hundreds of other Jews were visiting the Temple Mount to mark Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
After Ben-Gvir’s visit, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that Israel’s status quo on the Temple Mount wouldn’t change.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir arrives for a visit at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Old City, during the Tisha B’Av, August 3, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
“Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change.”
Ben-Gvir joined by Amit Halevi, Sharren Haskel
MKs Amit Halevi (Likud) and Sharren Haskel (New Hope-United Right) also ascended the Temple Mount to mark Tisha B’Av.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque as a “a flagrant violation of international law” and “an unacceptable provocation.”
The ministry then added that Israel has no sovereignty over the al-Aqsa Mosque.
