Minister's Controversial Visit to Jerusalem's Holy Site Stirs Cease-Fire Talks

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the contested Al Aqsa Mosque compound, escalating tensions amid delicate Gaza cease-fire talks. Ben-Gvir's actions aim to pressure Netanyahu to continue the military campaign and avoid international concessions. The visit precedes Netanyahu's scheduled trip to the U.S., raising further international concerns.

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site early Thursday morning, threatening to derail Gaza cease-fire negotiations.

Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist settler leader, asserted that his visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound was to pray for the return of hostages, emphasizing that it was not 'a reckless deal.' He is pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu to resist international pressure and maintain the military campaign in Gaza. This development jeopardizes the ongoing talks to reach a cease-fire in the enduring Israel-Hamas conflict, which has persisted for nine months. Israeli negotiators had landed in Cairo on Wednesday to pursue these discussions further.

Ben-Gvir's visit comes just days before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trip to the United States, where he is set to address Congress. Ben-Gvir last visited the contentious site in May as a protest against countries recognizing Palestinian statehood unilaterally.

The Jerusalem hilltop compound, regarded as the holiest site for Jews and a national symbol by Palestinians, has been a flashpoint for violence. Ben-Gvir's repeated visits during sensitive periods are seen as provocative by Palestinians, potentially fueling further unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)