Itamar Ben-Gvir, a leader in the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party and who will be Israel's national security minister in the upcoming government, has vowed to change the status quo at the Al-Aqsa mosque.
Ben-Gvir also pledged to change shooting regulations against Palestinians and to legalize settlements.
Speaking to a Hebrew radio station on Sunday, he responded to a direct question on whether he would allow Jews to pray in the Temple Mount by saying that he would do everything to prevent “racist policies.”
The racist policies Ben-Gvir was referring to are those that prevent Jews from performing public prayers at Al-Aqsa’s compound.
He moved on to reiterate that he would work to change regulations on shooting Palestinians, describing the current directives as “stupid,” because they leave Israeli soldiers and police vulnerable.
He considered that attackers should be shot even when they do not pose a threat.
“Instead of waiting, those carrying a Molotov cocktail should be shot on the spot,” suggested Ben-Gvir.
He also stressed that he would work to change the status of illegal settlements.
“In a few months, we will witness improvement and change, and we will achieve several results,” said Ben-Gvir.
Among other things, he said he would examine whether a law would be passed in the Knesset to deport the families of perpetrators of attacks against Israelis.
Ben-Gvir's statements came two days after his party concluded a controversial agreement with the Likud party, headed by Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, that would see him become minister of national security with expanded powers.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said the Palestinians will launch a broad political movement to confront the upcoming ministerial coalition in Israel.
He revealed that the Palestinian leadership has sent messages to international bodies, especially the European Union, warning against the consequences of Ben-Gvir assuming ministerial positions in the next government.
