Israel Reaffirms Temple Mount Status Quo After Jordan Condemns Ben Gvir’s Visit

Jerusalem, 3 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Jordan’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharp condemnation on Sunday morning following Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount. The ministry labeled the visit an “unacceptable provocation” and a “dangerous escalation that must be condemned,” asserting that “Israel has no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa.”

In response, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change.”

Ben Gvir’s visit was accompanied by Minister of the Negev and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf, as well as Knesset Members Amit Halevi and Osher Shekalim. After leading a prayer on the site, Ben Gvir declared:

“Hamas’ horrific videos (of starved hostages) are part of an effort to pressure Israel. But I say from here, the Temple Mount—where we’ve proven sovereignty is possible—this is where we must send a message: we must conquer all of Gaza, declare sovereignty, eliminate every Hamas terrorist, and encourage voluntary emigration. Only then will we bring back the hostages and win the war.”