Far-right American broadcaster seeks to reinforce Israeli occupation

A speech by an extreme right-wing American broadcaster has sought to reinforce Israel’s occupation of Jerusalem. Glenn Beck’s polemic was part of a programme which included musical performances in the Umayyad Palaces area adjacent to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the time for prayers. The programme was condemned by Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage for displaying a total lack of respect for the worshippers in the mosque.

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Those attending the event included extremist Israeli figures and Christian-Zionist Americans who also heard a speech by Jerusalem’s Israeli mayor, Nir Barkat. Beck appears to have been trying to reinvent himself following Fox News’ decision to drop his programme; he was regarded as “too extreme” by major advertisers who pulled out of agreements with the US television channel. The event was intended to promote Beck’s support for the Israeli occupation of Palestine. A number of Israeli organisations boycotted the proceedings.

Al Aqsa Foundation had warned the authorities not to allow the pro-Judaization event to take place in Jerusalem, given Beck’s well-known anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric. The fact that the Israelis allowed this to go ahead was “extremely provocative” not only to Palestinians but also to “millions of Muslims around the world”, said the organisation.