Ben-Gvir Visits Temple Mount During Tisha B'Av Observance

On Tisha B'Av, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined thousands of Jews at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples. During his visit, he remarked on the progress made at the site, noting, "On Tisha B'Av, we mark the destruction, but we also see the giant progress on the Temple Mount. Look what's happening here, Jews are praying, they feel like they're in charge here." He claimed that terror attacks have decreased by 85% and expressed confidence in Israel's authority over the area, stating, "Everywhere, they understand that the State of Israel is the boss. There is more work to do; with G-d's help, we will proceed."

Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf also visited the Temple Mount, sharing his perspective with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News. He mentioned that he visits the site twice a year, on Jerusalem Day and Tisha B'Av, to express gratitude and mourn the absence of the Temple. Wasserlauf described the current situation as a significant change, stating, "There has been a crazy change on the Temple Mount. Jews ascend and pray and perform rituals, and thank G-d, we are witnessing a revolution being led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir." He reflected on past experiences where Jewish visitors faced hostility, contrasting it with the current atmosphere of pride and empowerment.

In response to criticisms from left-wing organizations regarding the visits, Wasserlauf accused them of hypocrisy, saying, "We see this hypocrisy every year. People who supposedly care about equality and freedom of religion, when it comes to the Jews, when it comes to the site of our Temple, to the holiest place to the Jewish people, they condemn and shout." He reaffirmed their commitment to increasing Jewish presence at the Temple Mount, emphasizing its significance as a source of inspiration and holiness for the Jewish people.