Germany criticises Israeli minister's provocative visit to holy site

The German government criticised a visit by Israel's newly appointed national security minister, far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, to a contested religious site in Jerusalem. Ben-Gvir, a member of the far-right Jewish Power party, visited the site on Tuesday, provoking angry reactions from Palestinians and Jordan.

The site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary, and is the third-holiest site in Islam. "Yesterday's visit is a provocation, and that is why we reject this action in no uncertain terms," a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

He warned against unilateral steps that endanger the historical status quo at the sacred site. The German government expects the new Israeli government to commit to the tried and tested practice at the holy sites and to put a stop to further deliberate provocations, he said.

The site contains the Dome of the Rock (pictured above) and the al-Aqsa Mosque. It is also revered by Jews, as there have been two Jewish temples on the site in the past. Christians also see the site as holy.

The site is under Muslim administration, while Israel is responsible for security. According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not to pray there.  This rule has been infringed repeatedly. Ben-Gvir has described the agreement as "racist" and discriminating against Jews. For their part, Palestinians accuse Israel of seeking to extend its control over Jerusalem's holy sites. Shared access to the site has often been the source of dispute. (dpa)