Ben-Gvir Urges Supreme Court to Allow Temple Mount Incursions on Shabbat

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court, requesting permission for Jewish settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Saturday, during the current Jewish holiday season. This move supports a petition filed by "Temple Mount" groups, which have been campaigning since July to allow settler incursions into the compound on Saturdays.

The minister's appeal to the court backs the "Temple Mount" groups' bid to permit settler entries on the Sabbath during the Jewish holidays. The groups initiated their campaign in July, leading to the petition being brought before the Supreme Court.

The court convened to discuss the request, but the Israeli State Prosecutor's Office has asked for a delay in the decision, leaving the matter pending. Ben-Gvir's appeal follows his previous actions regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, including a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to allow settler incursions during the holidays and calling for the imposition of "Israeli sovereignty" over the site.

"Temple Mount" groups advocate for expanding settler access and conducting Jewish religious rituals within the compound, receiving support from Israeli government figures like Ben-Gvir. Israeli police have previously allowed settlers to openly perform prayers and Talmudic rituals in the mosque's courtyards during repeated incursions.

Ben-Gvir has close ties to "Temple Mount" groups and has participated in past incursions. These groups seek to alter the status quo at the mosque and implement new arrangements to increase settler presence. The minister's appeal to the court reiterates his prior request to Netanyahu, underscoring his continued support for the groups' demands regarding the mosque.