Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Ben-Gvir for using the Temple Mount for political campaigning, which he argued endangers lives and contradicts the stance of the country's security forces.

This provocative visit heightened tensions in an already volatile situation, drawing sharp international criticism and concern over the potential for further conflict.

On August 13, 2024, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a prayer service with approximately 3,000 Jewish worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, defying a longstanding prohibition against such acts.

Despite an agreement that prohibits Jews from praying at the site, Ben Gvir has previously labeled this restriction as 'racist' and discriminatory, asserting that he supports freedom of worship for Jews.

The status quo established after Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 allows non-Muslims to visit the site during specific hours but prohibits them from praying, a rule increasingly disregarded by nationalist Jews.

The Palestinian Authority condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, while Egypt and Jordan criticized the event as 'irresponsible and provocative,' highlighting ongoing violations of the status quo at the Temple Mount.

The United Nations expressed concern over the incident, stating that such behavior undermines efforts to maintain the status quo at holy sites.

The United States also voiced alarm over Ben Gvir's actions, describing them as unacceptable and distracting from crucial ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

The Palestinian foreign ministry labeled the incident a 'dangerous escalation' due to the actions of 'extremist settlers,' further inflaming regional tensions.

Jordan's response emphasized that these actions violate historical and legal norms in Jerusalem, viewing them as unilateral Israeli measures.