Israeli Ministers and Over 2,000 Jews Pray on Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av Amid Rising Visits

On Thursday morning, Tisha B'Av, the day commemorating the destruction of the Temple, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended the Temple Mount accompanied by a security team. Alongside him were Minister of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Itzhak Vissaralof, former Knesset member Sharren Haskel, and MK Nissim Vaturi. Ben-Gvir emphasized the significance of Jewish prayer on the site, stating, "Jews are praying and feeling like owners here, something that never happened before." He highlighted security achievements, noting an 85% reduction in terror attacks and asserting that Israel is recognized as the sovereign authority at the site.

The visit coincides with a notable increase in the number of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount, reportedly up about 20% compared to last year, partly influenced by a recent statement from the Mashinov Rebbe. According to the Temple Mount Administration, over 2,000 Jews had visited by midday on Tisha B'Av. However, the ascent of ministers and public figures to the site on this day remains highly controversial within the religious community. While some rabbis permit visits under specific conditions, many leading Torah authorities strictly forbid it. The ultra-Orthodox press, particularly the newspaper Yated Ne'eman, has strongly condemned these visits, labeling them as desecration of the holy place.

Simultaneously, thousands gathered at the Western Wall for prayers and lamentations marking Tisha B'Av’s evening. Among the attendees was former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who came to mourn the destruction near the last remnant of the Temple. The issue of Jewish visits to the Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av continues to divide religious and ultra-Orthodox communities, reflecting broader tensions over Israeli sovereignty and religious law.