The Ultra-Orthodox object to Jews praying at the Temple Mount because it is the holy site of the Second Temple and for Jews to pray there before the Messiah comes is impious and defiles holy land. The official Israeli Rabbinate also holds this stance.

The controversy between the Ultra-Orthodox and fascist wings of Judaism comes on top of a building crisis between the Ultra-Orthodox community and the Netanyahu government over the conscription of the Ultra-Orthodox into the Israeli army.

Ultra-Orthodox Threaten to Bolt Netanyahu’s Government over Prayer at the Temple Mount