Fadli Zon, Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the House of Representatives. Photo: Andri

Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Fadli Zon, condemned the visit by National Security Minister of Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his anti-Arab rhetoric, to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Tuesday (3/1/2023), stressing the visit was provocative and intimidating.

“Minister Itamar’s move is provocative and intimidating as well as a real threat to the Palestine-Israel peace in the future,” said Fadli Zon in a written statement received by Parlementaria on Thursday (5/1/2023). “U.N. Security Council meeting over the visit is not enough. The U.N. must take real action.”

He strongly condemned the chaotic situation Itamar had created. “The visit must be condemned,” he said. “International community must take concrete action to prevent such a provocative visit from happening again in the future. Israel must be given heavy sanctions. When deemed necessary, Israel must be excluded from the international community.”

The Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) party lawmaker warned the latest visit by the Israel’s far-right minister to Al-Aqsa could lead to two consequences. “First, the visit may escalate tensions at the Al-Aqsa compound in particular and in Palestine in General. Second, the visit poses a serious threat to the status quo at Al-Aqsa,” he said. 

Previously, in April 2022, more than 200 people were injured at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound following provocative actions by the Jewish extremists. He said the status quo at Al-Aqsa that was established in 1967 does not allow Jews to worship at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, while Muslims are allowed.

Member of the House Commission I went on to highlight Jordan’s increasingly ineffective role in preserving the Al-Aqsa, stressing the importance of strengthening the country’s role, which is now only symbolic in nature.

“Al-Aqsa in east Jerusalem is now in full control of Israel,” he said. “On the other hand, 8Jordan does not have any control over the area. Obviously, Jordan cannot fully protect Al-Aqsa. This is a paradoxical situation. International community must do something about it.” (gal/rdn-mut)