Jpost
Against the backdrop of the change in policy on the Temple Mount, Finance Minister (RZP) Bezalel Smotrich spoke to thousands of participants at a conference marking the anniversary of Rabbi Kook’s passing on Sunday.
Smotrich, a convicted Jewish terrorist, spoke twice during the event, which took place at the Jerusalem International Convention Center. His first speech in the afternoon addressed the ongoing war.
When Smotrich took the stage for a second time, in front of the thousands of people present, Smotrich smiled at Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and said, ‘I will give you the money, and you will build the Temple.’
In response, Lion replied to Smotrich: ‘You are the best finance minister Jerusalem has ever had.’
The statement comes at a time when there is, in fact, a de facto shift in the policy surrounding the Temple Mount.
Ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and others are increasingly visiting the Mount, praying, and even prostrating themselves in defiance of the established regulations.
No change in official procedures regarding Temple Mount
The Prime Minister’s Office has emphasized that there is ‘no change’ in the official procedures.
As mentioned, the event attracted thousands of visitors, who enjoyed various special exhibits, including a visit to Rabbi Kook’s restored study, a chance to view the ‘Greater’ Israel map, and opportunities to attend lectures from Religious Zionist rabbis.