National Security Minister Ben Gvir Visits Temple Mount

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the contested Temple Mount Tuesday morning, the first sitting government minister to do so in five years. Palestinian groups, including the terrorist organization Hamas, have warned that they will read any visit to the Temple Mount as provocation, and will react accordingly.

The issue of the Temple Mount is complicated. On the one hand, it is important to recognize that the Temple Mount does historically belong to the Jewish people. However, in the name of keeping the peace, Israel has given Muslim groups custody of the Temple Mount; Jews are unable for their own safety to pray there without extensive planning and accompanying security forces.

It is yet to be seen what the consequences of Ben Gvir’s visit will be. In the meantime, the question remains: was visiting the holy site worth the risk of inciting violence?

Please pray that fears of an escalation in violence will prove unwarranted! Please pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders in this tricky situation. Please pray for safety for all involved, especially Israeli armed forces who will be on the front lines if Hamas makes good its threats. Lastly, please pray that the truth will prevail!