US “opposes” Israeli plan for synagogue on Haram al-Sharif

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State strongly opposed the proposal made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to construct a synagogue on Jerusalem’s Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount).

The suggested Jewish place of worship, according to the US State Department, would “demonstrate blatant disregard for the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem.”aa

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, the State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, conveyed the administration’s stance,. Miller declared that the “ongoing reckless statements and actions of this minister only sow chaos and exacerbate tensions at a moment when Israel must stand united against threats from Iran and its proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.”

Miller stated that these actions directly undermine the region’s security.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office denied any alteration to the status quo, which permits Jews to visit the Haram al-Sharif but prohibits them from praying there. The policy was established after Israel occupied the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967. “There is no change to the status quo,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

According to reports, when asked if he would construct a synagogue on the Haram al-Sharif, Ben-Gvir responded with a “yes”.

The US State Department responded with Miller urging the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to uphold the existing status quo.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office has made clear that the actions and statements of Minister Ben-Gvir are inconsistent with the government of Israel’s policy, and a number of responsible voices in the Israeli government have condemned them,” Miller said. “It is critical that the government of Israel continue to ensure its policy is adhered to.”

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The Haram al-Sharif is a highly contested site, considered the third-holiest in Islam and the holiest in Judaism as the former site of the two Jewish temples. Ben-Gvir’s comments have drawn condemnation from several Muslim countries, including Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.