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Controversial security minister in Netanyahu's new cabinet: Itamar Ben-Gvir on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
Photo: - / AFP
Even before the controversial visit to the Temple Mount by the new Israeli security minister, the Islamist Hamas had threatened an "explosion".
In fact, on Tuesday evening, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip attempted to fire a rocket towards Israel.
The launch of the rocket failed, however, said Israel's army.
It fell over the Gaza Strip.
There were initially no reports of injuries or even deaths.
Despite warnings, Israel's Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for the first time since taking office.
Militant Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip spoke of a "dangerous escalation and provocation" and warned of a "religious war" in the region.
The Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam.
But it is also sacred to Jews because, according to tradition, two Jewish temples used to stand there.
The Temple Mount is under Muslim administration while Israel is responsible for security.
According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews can visit the facility but not pray there.
On the other hand, there are always violations, often there are riots.
In 2000, a visit to the Temple Mount by then-Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon triggered the second intifada.
Ben-Gvir called current Temple Mount regulations "racist"
Ben-Gvir had criticized the current Temple Mount agreement as "racist" and as discrimination against Jews.
In the past he even spoke of »apartheid«.
Palestinians have accused Israel of wanting to expand its control over the holy site.
The visit caused irritation in the United States.
Criticism also came from France, Saudi Arabia and many other countries.
Ben-Gvir of the far-right Ozma Jehudit is considered a political arsonist, especially with regard to the Palestinians.
He is part of Benjamin Netanyahu's new right-wing religious government, which was sworn in in parliament last December 29.
col/dpa