Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, accompanied by settlers, rabbis and Israeli security personnel.
Ben-Gvir reportedly performed Jewish prayers and rituals inside the compound and spoke in support of establishing a Jewish temple at the site, raising concerns over the long-standing arrangements governing access and worship at the holy site.
According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, Ben-Gvir carried out Talmudic prayers and rituals in the eastern section of the mosque’s courtyards.
Under the status quo arrangement that has governed the site since 1967, non-Muslims are permitted to visit the compound but are not allowed to conduct prayers there.
During his visit, Ben-Gvir said that prayer had previously been prohibited at the site but suggested that circumstances were changing.
The incident marks another controversial visit by the leader of Israel’s far-right Jewish Power party, who has repeatedly entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound since becoming national security minister in 2022.
Palestinian authorities condemned the latest visit, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of the historical and legal status quo of the holy site.
The Jerusalem governorate also accused Ben-Gvir of attempting to impose a new reality at the compound and undermine its Islamic identity.
The latest incident comes amid increased Jewish religious activity in Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish holidays in September.
Since 2003, Israeli authorities have allowed Jewish settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa compound on most days, while Palestinian worshippers have frequently faced restrictions on access.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites and remains a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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