In late July, Itamar Ben-Gvir, security minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's government, joined more than 2,000 Jewish extremists in storming the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Ben-Gvir has made several visits to the site over the past three years, eroding norms and inflaming tensions. Jordanian officials have recently warned of an "imminent" Israeli takeover of the site.
With national elections scheduled for October and attention focused on Gaza, the Israeli government appears to be racing to expand settlements and accelerate ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem before its mandate expires.
Situation at the Al-Aqsa compound
The 35-acre compound, housing the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the holiest site for Muslims in Jerusalem. A fragile agreement grants Muslims exclusive rights to pray there, while Jews pray at the Western Wall below. However, the messianic right, which has gained a foothold in Netanyahu's coalition, views the site as a symbol of its political project.
Since 2023, Jewish religious extremists have made numerous visits to the compound. Initially, groups of about 20 settlers prayed discreetly at the far wall under police escort, but over the past two years they have grown larger and bolder. On 23 July, they sang the national anthem, prayed, and performed rituals in the center of the compound, while Israeli police set up tents to provide shade.
International reaction
Eight Arab nations issued a joint statement condemning "mass incursions by settlers led by extremist Israeli ministers." Last Wednesday, Jordanian authorities, who administer the site, held an emergency meeting of Arab and Islamic nations, after which they condemned Israeli violations as a "blatant provocation" to Muslims worldwide.
According to senior international correspondent Julian Borger, the Waqf foundation managing the site is "defenseless." Ahead of Ramadan this year, five Waqf staff were detained by Israel's Shin Bet. Additionally, Israeli police have begun recruiting extremist activists into the Temple Mount Unit. According to Haaretz, the deputy commander of the unit posted a callout: "Anyone who wants to take part in implementing sovereignty is welcome to contact me."
These events heighten concerns over the future of Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site. Arab states and former Israeli officials condemn the Netanyahu government's actions and warn of threats to regional stability.