Israel Issues 800 Banishment Orders from Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2026
The Governorate of Jerusalem announced on Sunday that the number of banishment orders issued from the Al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of 2026 has reached 800. This figure includes approximately 15 orders issued in the first six days of September. The Governorate stated that the number of orders in the first week of September nearly equals the total issued in July and August combined, which was 23 orders (17 in July, 6 in August).
The Governorate views these numbers as an "acceleration in the use of the banishment policy" ahead of the Jewish holiday season, which runs from mid-September to early October. As of the end of August, 785 banishment orders had been recorded for the year, with the majority issued before and during Ramadan. The recent September orders brought the total to 800.
The Governorate cautioned that these figures represent only the documented cases and that the actual number of orders may be higher due to unreported cases and individuals hesitant to disclose their banishment orders for fear of repercussions. The increase in banishments is seen as a systematic policy aimed at reducing Palestinian presence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to the Governorate's data, 40,661 settlers had entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound from the beginning of the year until the end of August. The Governorate highlighted a parallel trend of restricting Palestinian access while simultaneously increasing settler incursions and presence.
Since 2003, Israeli police have permitted daily settler entries into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, excluding Fridays and Saturdays. The Governorate warned of increased risks to the mosque during the upcoming Jewish holidays, citing calls from groups associated with the "alleged Temple" to intensify incursions and perform Talmudic rituals. The Governorate reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque, spanning 144 dunams, is exclusively Muslim property and considers any Israeli actions to alter its historical or legal status invalid and rejected.
