Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has visited Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, a move that could threaten the delicate Gaza cease-fire talks.

Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site on Thursday, a move that could threaten the delicate Gaza cease-fire talks.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist settler leader, said he had gone up to the contested Jerusalem hilltop compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray for the return of the hostages “but without a reckless deal, without surrendering.”

The move threatens to disrupt sensitive talks aimed at reaching a cease-fire in the 9-month-old Israel-Hamas war. Israeli negotiators landed in Cairo on Wednesday to continue talks.

It was the latest act of defiance by an ultranationalist settler leader who has transformed himself over the decades from an outlaw and provocateur into one of Israel’s most influential politicians.

  • ShaggySnacksEnglish
    21·
    1 month ago

    Itamar Ben-Gvir is a terrorist.

    One of the people in the mix for a top slot is Itamar Ben-Gvir, set to be named national security minister — a job that could include overseeing some police activity in the occupied West Bank, which is home to millions of Palestinians. Ben-Gvir has previously been convicted of racist incitement against Arabs and of backing a terrorist group.

    Biden’s strategy for a far-right Israel: Lay it all on Bibi, December 20, 2022