Jerusalem temple mount
Temple Mount, Jerusalem dagmarbendel/Pixabay

The South African government has condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent visit to the contested holy site in Jerusalem, in a statement released Wednesday.

The statement, issued by the department of international relations and cooperation, South Africa, said that Minister Gvir's actions are seen as a possible indication that the newly elected Israeli Government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, is planning to change the delicate balance of power regarding the holy sites in Jerusalem.

"South Africa remains committed to an end to the occupation of Palestine and is hopeful that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at its meeting on this matter, will condemn these actions and call for concrete action concerning ending the Apartheid system in Israel and Palestine'' the statement read in part.

The Government of South Africa expressed its concern saying that Israeli Minister Gvir's actions are in line with Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement that the Israeli government plans to "advance and develop settlements in all parts of the land of Israel – in the Galilee, Negev, Golan Heights, and Judea and Samaria."

Upon taking office last week, right-wing politician Ben-Gvir immediately began planning a visit to the Temple Mount - also known as Haram al-Sharif. The site is a holy place for both Jews and Muslims and has been a frequent source of tension between Israelis and Palestinians.

Ben-Gvir postponed his visit after meeting with Netanyahu in response to threats of escalation from Hamas, a Palestinian armed group. Yair Lapid, former Prime Minister, also warned of potential danger, saying "people will die."

However, Ben-Gvir proceeded with the visit on Tuesday alongside Israeli security forces.

"Israel will not give in to Hamas threats," he said, as per The Jerusalem Post.

"Those who make threats will be dealt with an iron fist," the minister warned.

Meanwhile, the potential fallout from the incident could further damage Netanyahu's government's relations with other countries in the Middle East.

"The UAE today strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard by an Israeli minister under the protection of Israeli forces," read the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE, as reported by Khaleej Times.