Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a provocative statement threatening full Israeli control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and the West Bank. Marking the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av, Katz wrote that the Western Wall and Temple Mount are "once again under complete Israeli sovereignty." His comments have drawn sharp condemnation, especially from Saudi Arabia, as he was seen praying at the Western Wall and alluding to Jewish worship at Al-Aqsa, which is currently prohibited.