At least 51,672 have made the ascent since last Rosh Hashanah, a 14% rise over the previous year.

“The ongoing reckless statements and actions of this minister only sow chaos and exacerbate tensions,” Foggy Bottom spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The Heritage Ministry will receive 2 million shekels for the program at Judaism’s holiest site in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The national security minister insisted Israeli law does not discriminate between Jews and Muslims.

Unlike many others who fear backlash from Muslim countries, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and many other Israeli Jews, believe the time has come to assert full sovereignty over the Temple Mount.

Washington continues to side with the Muslim world in deny Jews any history or rights at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

I say my opinion openly and bluntly, “tachles”. The spiritual tension among the people of Israel is always part of politics in the Land. Many abroad simply cannot understand this.

The national security minister reiterated his opposition to an agreement that precludes the destruction of Hamas in Gaza.

We will not allow even a declaration of a Palestinian state, Israel’s national security minister said.