Shin Bet Chief Warns Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa Raids Causing "Unprecedented Damage" to Israel

Breaking News:

The head of Israel's Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar, has issued a stark warning about the implications of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

Bar's Assessment:

Unprecedented Damage:

In a confidential briefing to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bar reportedly stated that Ben-Gvir's actions are causing "unprecedented damage" to Israel's security interests.

International Condemnation:

Bar warned that the raids have drawn widespread international condemnation and are eroding Israel's standing among its allies.

Escalation Risk:

The Shin Bet chief expressed concern that Ben-Gvir's actions could escalate tensions with the Palestinians and trigger a broader conflict.

Ben-Gvir's Response:

Unmoved by Warning:

Despite Bar's warnings, Ben-Gvir has defended his raids, claiming they are necessary to maintain security at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Continued Raids:

Ben-Gvir has vowed to continue his incursions into the compound, despite widespread criticism and warnings from security officials.

Implications for Israel:

Diplomatic Fallout:

The Shin Bet chief's warnings underscore the potential for significant diplomatic fallout from Ben-Gvir's actions.

Security Risks:

The raids on Al-Aqsa have raised concerns about increased security risks for Israel, both domestically and internationally.

Erosion of Trust:

Bar's warnings suggest that Ben-Gvir's actions are eroding trust between Israel and its security partners.

Conclusion:

The Shin Bet chief's stark assessment reflects growing concerns within Israel's security establishment about the consequences of far-right minister Ben-Gvir's raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The implications for Israel's security, diplomatic standing, and international reputation remain uncertain.