Police Reject Minister Ben-Gvir's Bid to Open Temple Mount on Saturdays

Following a series of relaxations and rule changes for visits to the Temple Mount during Itamar Ben-Gvir's tenure as Minister of National Security, the police have established a clear boundary. According to Ynet on November 12, the police have prepared a professional opinion opposing the opening of the Temple Mount to Jewish visitors on Saturdays. This stance contradicts Ben-Gvir's efforts to alter current regulations, which have already seen expanded visiting hours and other concessions for Jews.

The police's professional assessment concluded that the current order, allowing Jewish visits from Sunday to Thursday within set hours, should be maintained. Ben-Gvir has been advocating for an end to the Saturday visiting ban, having appealed to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in September to support this initiative. The push gained momentum from a petition filed with the High Court of Justice by activists demanding the right for Jews to visit the Temple Mount on Saturdays.

The petition, filed in early September, names the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Security, and the Commander of the Jerusalem District Police as respondents. The plaintiffs argue that the current prohibition is discriminatory, unfounded, and contrary to historical practices, urging the court to compel the state to justify the ban. They also requested an interim order, asserting that security concerns do not justify the Saturday closure, especially given recent changes in visiting rules and public order management.

Ben-Gvir has publicly supported the change, writing to Netanyahu on September 16 to permit Saturday visits, arguing it would strengthen Israeli control and sovereignty. He dismissed security threat claims, stating that "Jewish pride and adherence to principles not only do not harm security, but on the contrary, make a decisive contribution to the security and stability of the state." He also contended that "the real threat to the state's security is to retreat in the face of the threats of our enemies." Ben-Gvir had initially sought permission for Saturday visits by Rosh Hashanah, viewing it as part of a policy to bolster Israeli governance at the site.

The state has requested more time from the High Court to consider the matter. The police's position is significant given recent concessions, including a police-Shin Bet-approved experiment in October allowing 15 Jews with prayer books to ascend the Temple Mount. However, requests for items like prayer shawls and phylacteries remain unfulfilled.