Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, visited the Temple Mount compound on Sunday morning, two days after Israel’s Jerusalem Day. Markedly, Ben Gvir, a staunch supporter of Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount and Judea and Samaria, did not visit the contentious area on Jerusalem Day itself, undoubtedly to keep resulting conflagration at a minimum. Following his visit Sunday, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan put out statements condemning the visit as an “escalation.” Turkey also characterized Ben Gvir’s visit as a “clear breach of international law.”

After a round of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) earlier this month, Jerusalem Day celebrations were free of any violence; however, the Temple Mount remains a sensitive subject, and has potential to escalate tensions.

Let’s offer thanks for a peaceful Jerusalem Day! Please pray that the visit to the Temple Mount will not result in more conflict. Lastly, please continue to pray for peace and deterrence for Israel.