Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday alongside thousands of Jewish worshippers, in a move that heightened tensions at one of the region’s most sensitive religious sites.
Escorted by armed police, participants prayed, waved Israeli flags and sang the national anthem within the walled compound, drawing sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and religious authorities who view such gatherings as a challenge to the site’s long-standing status quo.
The compound, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is revered by both faiths. Under arrangements in place for decades, non-Muslims are permitted to visit but not to pray there. Displays of Jewish prayer at the site are regarded by Palestinians and much of the Muslim world as violations of that framework.
Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in Israel’s far-right political camp, has made repeated visits to the compound during his tenure. Thursday’s appearance came amid a heightened political climate ahead of upcoming elections, with critics arguing the incursion carried a political dimension.
The site has historically been a flashpoint for wider unrest. Previous confrontations at the compound have triggered escalations across Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, making any large-scale gathering there a matter of regional concern.
Jordan, which serves as custodian of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem under existing agreements, and other regional actors have previously condemned similar visits as provocations that risk inflaming religious sentiment.
The visit coincided with a Jewish observance that traditionally sees increased attempts by worshippers to access the compound, adding to the numbers present on Thursday.
Observers warn that repeated high-profile visits could further strain an already fragile situation. The coming weeks are likely to see continued scrutiny of activity at the site as political campaigning intensifies.