Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, challenging decades-old rules that restrict Jewish prayer. Under a “status quo” arrangement with Muslim authorities, Jews can visit but may not pray there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s policy on the compound will not change.
Videos released by a small Jewish organization showed Ben-Gvir leading a group walking in the compound and appearing to pray. The Waqf foundation said over 1,250 people, including Ben-Gvir, prayed at the site. Ben-Gvir called for Israel’s victory over Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages being held.
The visit sparked outrage in the Muslim world and ignited violence in the past. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit, calling it a “crime” that required international intervention to stop.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-ben-gvir-says-he-prayed-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-2025-08-03