Israel, as the country that has occupied East Jerusalem since 1967, certainly welcomes Milei’s call to rebuild the Third Jewish Temple.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its undivided capital, although its status is not recognized by most countries and international organizations.
Israel also claims rights over Temple Mount, which they call Har HaBayit, as a holy site for Jews.
Israel allows Jews to visit Temple Mount but forbids them from praying there, to avoid confrontation with Muslims who manage the site.
However, some Jewish groups are not satisfied with this policy, and want to rebuild the Third Temple at Temple Mount.
They argue that rebuilding the temple is a religious and national obligation for Jews, and a prerequisite for the coming of the Messiah and the end times.
They also argue that the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are illegal buildings that must be destroyed because they were built on land stolen from Jews.
They often provoke and harass at Temple Mount, like praying, singing, dancing, waving Israeli flags, and even trying to lay the first stone for the third temple.
These actions often trigger clashes and violence between Jews and Muslims, as well as between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents.
Israel’s reaction to Milei’s call to rebuild the Third Jewish Temple may be influenced by several factors, including:
The desire to maintain status quo and avoid conflict escalation that could endanger Israel’s security and stability.
Israel may realize Milei’s call is unrealistic and unacceptable to Muslims, and that any attempt to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock would provoke outrage and enormous resistance, both from Palestine and the Islamic world.
Israel may also not want to risk triggering regional or global war that could involve Arab and Muslim countries, as well as Western countries and their allies.
Israel may also not want to sacrifice diplomatic and economic ties built with several Arab and Muslim countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, who have recognized Israel and normalized relations.
The desire to take advantage of Milei’s call as pressure and negotiation leverage, which could benefit Israel.
Israel may want to use Milei’s call as a threat or bait for Palestine and other Arab and Muslim countries, to force them to recognize Israel’s claims over Jerusalem and Temple Mount, or at least reduce their demands and protests over Israel’s policies in those areas.
Israel may also want to use Milei’s call as bargaining material with the United States and other Western countries, to gain more support and assistance.
