The President of Argentina, Javier Milei, is a libertarian economist known as a staunch supporter of Israel. He has even called himself a “true Zionist” and stated that Israel is “one of the most amazing countries in the world.”
He has also harshly criticized Iran, Turkey, and Hamas, which he sees as threats to Israel and world peace.
During his visit to Israel, Milei cried at the Wailing Wall, a holy site for Jews, and hugged Rabbi Axel Wahnish, whom he would appoint as Argentina’s ambassador to Israel. He also announced his intention to move the Argentine embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following the footsteps of the United States and several other countries.
However, Milei’s call for the rebuilding of the Third Jewish Temple was the most shocking and controversial step.
The Third Jewish Temple is a long-yearned project by some Jewish groups who want to restore the glory of Solomon’s Temple and Herod’s Temple, which once stood at Temple Mount, a place also known as Haram al-Sharif by Muslims.
The first and second temples were destroyed by the Babylonians and Romans, and now only the Wailing Wall remains as a silent witness to their history.
However, to rebuild the third temple, they would have to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which stand above the ruins of previous temples.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are the third holiest site in Islam, after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina.
Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad made a night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and ascended to heaven from the rock that now forms the Dome of the Rock.
Milei’s call for the rebuilding of the Third Jewish Temple may be motivated by several factors, including:
The desire to show solidarity and loyalty to Israel, which he sees as Argentina’s strategic ally and true friend. Milei may want to impress Prime Minister Netanyahu, who welcomed plans to move the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem. Milei may also want to gain sympathy from Argentina’s Jewish community, one of the largest in the world.
The desire to challenge and provoke Israel’s enemies, especially Iran, Turkey, and Hamas, which he sees as threats to Israel and world security and stability. Milei may want to show he is not afraid to confront them, and even dare to disturb one of the most sensitive and sacred issues for Muslims.
Milei may also want to test the reaction from Arab and other Muslim countries, which may not be as firm as Iran, Turkey and Hamas in defending Palestine and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The desire to gain attention and popularity globally, amid economic and political crises plaguing Argentina. Milei may want to show that he is a bold, visionary and different kind of leader.
Milei may also want to create controversy and debate, which could raise his exposure and influence on social and international media.
