According to a decades-old, sensitive agreement with religious authorities, the site is managed by a Jordanian religious foundation, and Jews are allowed to visit but not pray there. Any suggestion that Israel might change these rules has previously sparked Muslim outrage and led to outbreaks of violence.
During the visit, Ben-Gvir stated in an on-site video: "Today I feel like the owner here. There is still more to do, more to improve. I constantly encourage Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more and more; we must continue on the upward trajectory."
His spokesperson noted that the minister is advocating for greater access and prayer permits for Jewish visitors and that Ben-Gvir himself prayed at the site.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it considers Ben-Gvir’s visit a violation of the agreed-upon status quo at the site and "a desecration of its sanctity, a condemnable escalation, and an unacceptable provocation."
From the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, it was conveyed that such moves could further destabilize the region.
In similar past situations following Ben-Gvir’s visits and statements, Netanyahu has clarified that there is no change in Israel’s policy of maintaining the existing status quo at the complex.