Rabbi Yigal Cohen Clarifies Stance on Temple Mount After Meeting with Minister Ben-Gvir

Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a prominent Sephardic rabbi and member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, issued a clarification regarding his opposition to Jewish visits to the Temple Mount, following a visit from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir, accompanied by his son and the Commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, attended Selichot prayers at Rabbi Cohen's home earlier in the week. After the meeting, Rabbi Cohen released a video explaining his views.

In the video, Rabbi Cohen stated that while he personally likes and embraces individuals, this does not signify his agreement with all their actions. He explicitly addressed the issue of ascending the Temple Mount, calling it a contentious matter with few rabbinical authorities permitting it. He emphasized that ascending the holy site is not sanctioned by "our holy rabbis" and that "we absolutely do not ascend in any way, shape, or form."

Although Rabbi Cohen did not name Ben-Gvir directly, he used the analogy of personal affection not equating to agreement with actions. "Sometimes I come to a person, and I kiss him and hug him, and I love him, but he does things that are not to my liking and not to my opinion, it doesn't mean I agree with him in what he does," he explained. He reiterated his firm opposition to ascending the Temple Mount, calling it a "simple and clear Torah opinion" and warning against actions that could cause provocation.

The rabbi stressed that his clarification was requested and that he wished to ensure his position was understood without offending anyone. He concluded by stating, "I have closed the corner, I hope the words are clear."