Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Occupied East Jerusalem

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has launched provocative incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, performing prayers and appearing to call for a Jewish temple to be located on the site.

With the protection of Israeli occupation forces, Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound accompanied by several rabbis, settlers, and security personnel, declaring plans to alter the historical status quo of Islam’s third-holiest site. The far-right politician performed Talmudic prayers and rituals in the eastern section of the mosque’s courtyards, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Under the status quo arrangement in place since 1967, non-Muslims are not allowed to perform prayers at the site, although Jewish people are permitted to visit. During the incursion, Itamar Ben-Gvir remarked on the necessity of prayer incantations, blowing the shofar, and establishing a temple at the location.

The leader of the Jewish Power party has repeatedly entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound since taking office in 2022, drawing widespread condemnation. The latest incursion occurred as tens of thousands of participants gathered for Yom Kippur prayers near the Western Wall.

The Jerusalem governorate strongly condemned the actions, characterizing the event as a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the historical and legal status of the mosque, aimed at altering its Islamic identity.