According to Israel Today, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said during his Tisha B'Av visit to the Temple Mount that the large Jewish presence represents 'tremendous progress' and that 'Jews are praying and feeling that they are the ones in charge here.' He also asserted that terrorist attacks have been reduced by 85%.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, during his Tisha B'Av visit to the Temple Mount reported by The Zioneer at 10:12 Jerusalem, was later quoted by Israel Today as claiming an 85% reduction in terrorist attacks and declaring that "Jews are the ones in charge here." The remarks expand on his earlier statement that Jews are "the owners of the house," as initially reported.
The Zioneer's initial report at 10:12 noted that Ben Gvir and Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf ascended the Temple Mount on the fast day, with Ben Gvir stating that terror attacks have dropped 85% and that Jews feel "the owners of the house." The additional quotes, attributed to Israel Today, provide further detail on the minister's language, including the phrase "Jews are the ones in charge here."
The visit took place on Tisha B'Av, commemorating the destruction of the Temples. Ben Gvir has made the Temple Mount a central focus of his tenure, advocating for expanded Jewish prayer rights and asserting Israeli sovereignty. The Zioneer has reported on his previous statements on sovereignty, including on July 22, 2026, when he declared that "the days of retreat are over" in East Jerusalem.
The 85% reduction claim remains unsubstantiated. No independent data or official confirmation has been provided to support the figure.
3 developments
- DevelopingBen Gvir declares East Jerusalem belongs to Israel, 'days of retreat are over'
- StrongKatz: Palestinian terror down 80% due to aggressive policy; Israel to expand settlements
- StrongBen Gvir: Ninth assassination attempt won't stop prison reform, Temple Mount sovereignty push
- DevelopingBen Gvir says he may seek senior ministerial role, keeps National Security portfolio with Otzma Yehudit
Source and signal
- Internal intake