Degel Hatorah MK Moshe Gafni sharply criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for his visit to the Har Habayis in Yerushalayim, accusing him of desecrating the sacred location and inciting “bloodshed” through his actions.
The visit by Ben Gvir prompted an immediate response from Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office, which issued a statement affirming that the long-established policy at the Har Habayis—where Jews are prohibited from davening—remains unchanged. However, since Ben Gvir assumed control of the police, the enforcement of this prohibition has significantly relaxed, leading to an increase in Jewish visitors who now openly engage in prayer and prostration during their visits. [Visiting the Har Habayis today is assur according to all leading poskim.]
Moshe Gafni, the second-in-command of the United Torah Judaism party and leader of its Degel Hatorah faction, penned an article for the Israeli Yated Ne’eman which was titled “Minister Ben Gvir is continuing to inflame tensions with a dangerous ascent to the Har Habayis.”
“Ben Gvir is severely harming the sanctity of the place, inciting the whole world against the Jewish people, and leading to bloodshed,” Gafni states, with the publication noting that his visit has been met with protests from both rabbonim and public officials.
Although the chareidi community remains predominantly opposed to visiting the site due to its sanctity, a growing portion of the religious Zionist community has begun supporting the pilgrimage, and the number of Jews visiting the Har Habayis has unfortunately increased significantly in recent years.
{Matzav.com Israel}