Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by a group of Jewish extremists, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and prayed, becoming the first Israeli cabinet minister to openly worship there.
The visit, held under the pretext of Tisha B’Av, violates the long-standing Israel-Jordan status quo allowing Jewish visits but banning prayers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the policy “has not changed.” One person protesting Ben-Gvir was detained.
Since Ben-Gvir took office, Israeli police have eased restrictions on Jewish prayers at the site.