Israeli security minister joins Jewish extremists as they storm al-Aqsa mosque compound
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined thousands of Jewish extremists in a provocative visit to the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem. The act, which involved prayer and nationalist displays, challenges the long-standing status quo agreement regarding the holy site.
Why it matters
Such actions at highly sensitive religious sites risk escalating regional tensions and potentially triggering broader religious conflict.
Ben-Gvir in front of al-Aqsa mosque in the latest of his inflammatory visits to the compound. Photograph: Itamar Ben Gvir/Telegram/Reuters Ben-Gvir in front of al-Aqsa mosque in the latest of his inflammatory visits to the compound. Photograph: Itamar Ben Gvir/Telegram/Reuters Palestine Israeli security minister joins Jewish extremists as they storm al-Aqsa mosque compound Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was among thousands who gathered at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site
Prefer the Guardian on Google Israel’s far-right minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, joined thousands of Jewish extremists who stormed Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site on Thursday.
Escorted by armed police, they prayed, waved the Israeli flag and sang the national anthem in a provocative display of political power.
Under a fragile, decades-old agreement known as the status quo, non-Muslim prayer is banned at the site, known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif compound and to Jews as the Temple Mount.
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