Jerusalem: On June 15, amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, a dramatic scene unfolded as missiles flew over Al Aqsa, Islam's third-holiest site, located in occupied East Jerusalem. This incident occurred during Iran's counter-strike against Israel, drawing the attention of Palestinians in the area who remained unfazed by the spectacle.
According to TRTworld.com, despite Israel's ongoing military aggression against Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains unrelenting. The population continues to suffer under what is described as a genocidal war by the Zionist state. The missiles launched on June 15 were not aimed at Gaza, but their proximity raised fears of a possible conspiracy involving Israel's long-term strategic goals.
Analyst Zahide Kor suggests that with religious narratives taking center stage in Israeli rhetoric since October 7, 2023, the actions in Gaza extend beyond political or strategic motives. Kor argues that Israel's recent behavior may not be entirely rational, potentially setting the stage for a covert operation targeting Al Aqsa, designed to shift regional outrage towards Iran.
A viral video featuring extremist Israeli rabbi Yosef Mizrachi supports this theory. In the video, Mizrachi suggests a scenario where Al Aqsa could be bombed under the guise of an Iranian missile attack to incite conflict between Arabs and Iranians. Historians like Zekeriya Kursun from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University consider such a plan plausible for achieving long-term strategic gains, including deepening the Sunni-Shia divide and conditioning the Muslim world to the idea of Al Aqsa's destruction.
Israeli officials have consistently stated their intention to maintain the status quo at Al Aqsa. However, since 2019, Jewish prayer has been permitted at the site under police protection, supported by groups like the Temple Mount movement. This group aims to construct a Jewish temple in the area currently occupied by the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
The movement's website suggests relocating the existing structures to Mecca, highlighting their ultimate goal. Moreover, a 2018 investigation by Haaretz revealed financial backing from prominent figures, including Kenneth Abramowitz, a confidant of Prime Minister Netanyahu, and then-deputy defense Minister Eli Ben-Dahan, for the Temple Institute—a group aligned with this vision.
In 2022, the Temple Institute imported five red heifers from Texas, classified as pets to bypass livestock restrictions. According to Jewish teachings, the ashes of a red heifer are crucial for a purification ritual required for worship at a future temple. This initiative indicates the ongoing efforts to prepare for rebuilding the ancient temple.
The potential for Israel to target Al Aqsa is underscored by the influence of Third Temple proponents in Israeli politics. The resurgence of figures from the 1980s Jewish Underground, once convicted for violent acts, into influential political roles, further fuels concerns.
Historian Zekeriya Kursun notes that Israel historically prefers indirect approaches for risky moves. Past incidents, such as the 1969 fire at Al Aqsa and the 1994 massacre at the Ibrahimi Mosque, serve as reminders of the potential for orchestrated attacks to further political aims.
As tensions remain high, the possibility of an attack on Al Aqsa continues to loom, driven by deep-seated aspirations dating back to the establishment of Israel. The quest for full control over Jerusalem persists, with the holy site at the center of a centuries-long strategy.