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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (center) in Kiryat Malachi, Israel, on February 16, 2024. Photo/Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency
TEL AVIV – The Israeli War Cabinet has decided to revoke security authority over the Al-Aqsa Mosque from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
This news was revealed by the Israeli TV channel, Channel 12, on Wednesday evening (28/2/2024).
They also decided not to impose special restrictions on the entry of Palestinians from the 48 regions to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the blessed month of Ramadan.
This occurred following a warning issued by senior Israeli police officials not to implement the policy adopted by the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
They warned against imposing restrictions on the entry of pilgrims to holy sites in Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan.
They said this could lead to security tensions in occupied Jerusalem and historic cities in the 48 regions known in Israel as “mixed cities”.
The Channel report quoted senior officers in the police leadership as saying that if the government decides to comply with Ben Gvir's demands, this could lead to “increased tensions in Jerusalem and other cities”.
Police officials stressed that the calm that has prevailed in the Arab community since the start of the war in Gaza should encourage decision makers to refrain from imposing restrictions on Muslims in Israel wishing to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
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