World News
Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Visits Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
Israel's national security minister conducted prayers at the Jerusalem holy site and publicly advocated for changing the historical status quo.
The short version
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem alongside security personnel, rabbis, and settlers.
- During the visit, Ben-Gvir performed prayers and openly advocated for establishing a Jewish temple at the site, challenging the longstanding status quo.
- The Jerusalem governorate condemned the action as a dangerous escalation aimed at altering the Islamic identity of the location.
Key facts
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday accompanied by rabbis, settlers, and security detail.[Al Jazeera]
- Under the status quo agreement established in 1967, non-Muslim visitors are permitted to enter the compound but are prohibited from conducting prayers.[Al Jazeera]
- Ben-Gvir engaged in prayer rituals in the eastern section of the courtyards and voiced support for incrementally bringing prayer incantations and a temple to the site.[Al Jazeera]
- The Jerusalem governorate publicly denounced the visit, terming it a severe violation of the site's historical status.[Al Jazeera]