Israel's right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of Israelis into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Israeli-controlled east Jerusalem on Tuesday (Aug. 13) and performed prayers to mark the Jewish holiday, sources said.
Ben Gvir, who has frequently defied Israel's longstanding ban on Jewish religious services at the mosque compound, vowed to “defeat Hamas” in Gaza in a video he recorded during his visit.
The compound is the third holiest site in Islam and a symbol of Palestinian national identity. However, it is also the holiest site in Judaism, revered as an ancient temple that was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Although Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque complex during certain hours, they are not permitted to pray or display religious symbols.
In recent years, these restrictions have been increasingly violated by hardline religious nationalist groups such as Ben Gvir, prompting a backlash from Palestinians.
According to an official from the Waqf, the Jordanian institution that guards the Al-Aqsa Mosque site, told AFP news agency that on Tuesday morning, Ben Gvir and some 2,250 other Israelis walked through the compound in groups, singing Jewish hymns, under the protection of Israeli police,
“Minister Ben Gvir, instead of maintaining the status quo in the mosque, is overseeing Jewish operations and trying to change the situation inside Al-Aqsa Mosque,” the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter.
Israeli police also “imposed restrictions” on Muslim worshippers trying to enter the mosque, he said.
Flagrant Violation
Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemned the “storming” of the mosque, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law.”
“The continued violation of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, as well as its sanctities, requires a clear and firm international position to condemn these violations,” ministry spokesman Sufyan al-Qudah said in a statement.
Photos posted on social media networks showed Ben Gvir inside the compound while several Israelis lay on the ground performing Talmudic rituals.
Ben Gvir released a video statement on social media platform X, which he recorded himself inside the compound, containing his latest rejection of the ceasefire in the war on Gaza.
“We have to win this war. We have to win and not go to talks in Doha or Cairo,” he said, referring to US-backed negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza that are due to resume on Thursday (15/8).
“We can defeat Hamas… we have to bring them to their knees,” Ben Gvir said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Ben Gvir's visit was a “deviation from the status quo”. “Israel's policy on the Temple Mount has not changed; that is how it has been and that is how it will be,” a statement said.
The Israeli influx into the Al-Aqsa compound on Tuesday came on the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha Be'Av, which commemorates the destruction of the ancient temple.
Last month, Ben Gvir, known for his provocative gestures, also said he had prayed inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, breaking a long-standing rule that Jews are allowed to visit but are forbidden from praying. (th/jm)
