Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Al-Aqsa compound on August 13, 2024, in this screenshot obtained from a handout video. | Photo credit: Reuters
Right-wing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir detained hundreds of Israelis Al-Aqsa Mosque complex Members of the Jewish community offered prayers on the occasion of the Jewish festival in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, sources said.
Mr. Ben Gvir, who has often defied the Israeli government’s long-standing ban on Jewish prayer at the mosque compound, vowed to “defeat Hamas” in Gaza in a video filmed during his visit.
The compound is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian national identity, but it is also Judaism’s holiest, believed to be the site of the ancient temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
Although Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque compound in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem during specified times, they are not permitted to pray or display religious symbols.
In recent years, the restrictions have been increasingly violated by radical religious nationalists like Mr. Ben Gvir, sometimes prompting violent reactions from Palestinians.
On Tuesday morning, Mr Ben Gvir and about 2,250 other Israelis marched through the compound in groups singing Jewish hymns under the protection of Israeli police, an official of the Waqf, the Jordanian institution that custodians the site, told AFP.
“Minister Ben Gvir is overseeing a Zionist campaign and trying to change the situation inside Al-Aqsa Mosque instead of maintaining the status quo at the mosque,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the issue.
He said Israeli police also “imposed restrictions” on Muslim worshippers trying to enter the mosque.
‘gross violation’
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “attack” on the mosque as a “flagrant violation of international law”.
“The continued violations of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its sanctity require a clear and firm international stance condemning these violations,” ministry spokesman Sufyan al-Qudah said in a statement.
Photos posted on social media networks showed Ben Gvir inside the compound while a number of Israelis lie on the ground performing Talmudic rituals.
Ben Gvir released a video statement on the social media platform X, which he filmed himself inside the compound, in which he reiterated his opposition to any ceasefire in the war in Gaza.
“We must win this war. We must win it and not go to negotiations in Doha or Cairo,” he said, referring to US-backed talks on Thursday in Gaza for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
“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 “deviated from the status quo”.
“There is no change in Israel’s policy on the Temple Mount; it has been and will remain the same,” a statement said.
The entry into the Al-Aqsa compound on Tuesday occurred on Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of mourning which commemorates the destruction of the ancient Temple.
Also last month, Ben Gvir, known for his provocative stances, said he had prayed inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, violating long-standing rules that allow Jews to visit but are barred from praying there.