Norway denounces Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir's call to build synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque complex

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – The Norwegian foreign minister on Wednesday has denounced Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's call to build a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.

“Norway strongly opposes the recent statement by Israel's Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, that he wants to build a synagogue on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount,” Espen Barth Eide said in a statement.

“This provocation joins a series of unacceptable statements and actions by the (Israeli) Minister, aimed at altering the historical status quo in Jerusalem and fueling tension at a time when the region is in dire need of the opposite,” he added.

The top Norwegian diplomat stressed that all attention should now be focused on the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and de-escalation, including in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

“Norway expects all parties to adhere to the status quo for the holy sites in Jerusalem and Jordan's trusteeship,” he urged.

Ben-Gvir's statement on Monday, in which he said Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque and that he intends to build a Jewish synagogue inside the Muslims' holy site, sparked international condemnation for inciting larger religious conflicts.

The far-right Israeli minister has repeatedly called for Jewish prayers at the Muslim holy site in recent months, but this is the first time he has spoken openly about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.

Ben-Gvir's announcement came amid repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex by illegal Israeli settlers under police protection.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam's third holiest site and serves as a symbol of Palestinian identity.

During the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem, which includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex. Israel annexed the entire city in 1980, which the international community has never recognized.