The session of the UN Security Council discussing the repercussions of an Israeli minister's intrusion into Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed a confrontation between the Palestinian ambassador, who deemed the incident a "red line" breach, and the Israeli ambassador, who dismissed the matter. Last Tuesday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir entered Al-Aqsa Mosque, an act Palestinians considered "provocative," sparking widespread international condemnation, including from the United States.
At the request of China and the United Arab Emirates, the Security Council convened on Thursday afternoon to address this issue, with participation from all 15 council members, as well as the Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian ambassadors to the United Nations.
Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan stated, "I am really shocked. Why? Because there is absolutely no reason to hold this emergency meeting today. Nothing. Holding a Security Council session about nothing is truly absurd." He denied that Minister Ben Gvir's visit constituted an intrusion into Al-Aqsa Mosque or a departure from the historic status quo concerning holy sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing that "every Jew has the right to visit the Temple Mount," the Jewish name for the Al-Aqsa compound. He added, "The claim that a short and completely legitimate visit should lead to an emergency Security Council session is ridiculous."
In response, Palestinian UN ambassador Riyad Mansour launched a fierce attack on the Israeli ambassador and the new Israeli government, describing it as "colonial and racist," and questioning, "What red line must Israel cross for the Security Council to finally say enough and act accordingly? When will you act?" Notably, under the current circumstances, non-Muslims can visit the Al-Aqsa compound at specific times but are not allowed to pray there. The White House warned Israel on Tuesday that any unilateral actions at the holy sites in East Jerusalem are "unacceptable."
