Moshe Feiglin, a right-wing Israeli politician, told BBC as he descended from the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem: 'The whole land of Israel was promised to the children of God… and this is where we are going to build a new Temple for the entire humanity to come and pray together.' He had been praying and singing with about 20 other religious Jews, in direct violation of the Status Quo agreement. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
The al-Aqsa compound (al-Haram al-Sharif for Muslims, Temple Mount for Jews) is one of Islam's holiest sites, where Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It is also Judaism's holiest site, where Jews pray at the Western Wall below. Under the Status Quo, the compound is administered by a Jordanian-led Islamic Waqf. Non-Muslims may visit but not pray. Israel's Chief Rabbinate also prohibits Jewish prayer there.
Feiglin and others now openly flout these rules. Reports suggest Israeli and US officials are working to change the Status Quo. Middle East Eye reported that a new Israeli body would declare the compound a 'multi-faith centre'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had no knowledge, but US ambassador Mike Huckabee often speaks of Jewish ties to holy sites. The Israeli prime minister's office insists the Status Quo remains unchanged.
Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway, Deputy Head of the Islamic Waqf Council, warns: 'It will not happen.' He fears any change could open a 'Pandora's box' and jeopardize regional peace. Jordan, Gulf states, and Egypt have expressed alarm. The UK government said the 'historic status quo must be respected'.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led a Jerusalem Day march to the compound, waving an Israeli flag and chanting 'The Temple Mount is ours!' He has permitted Jewish prayers, violating the Status Quo. In 2000, Ariel Sharon's visit to the compound sparked the second intifada, killing over 4,000 people. Current tensions could lead to a similar conflict.