Ultranationalist Israel minister draws condemnation for prayers at controversial holy site

Israel’s far-right national security minister led prayers at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, drawing condemnation and escalating tensions amid over Gaza.

Israel’s far-right national security minister led prayers on Sunday at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, drawing international condemnation and escalating tensions as Israel faces strong criticism over the war in Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir has frequently visited the contested Jerusalem hilltop compound during the war in Gaza.

Jews revere the site as the Temple Mount, where the biblical temples once stood. It is the holiest site in Judaism. Today, it is home to the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. Tensions at the compound have frequently spilled over into violence over the years.

It was the latest act of defiance by the 49-year-old ultranationalist settler leader who transformed himself over the decades from an outlaw and provocateur into one of Israel’s most influential politicians.

Here is a closer look at Ben-Gvir: