Israeli Police Clash With Minister Ben-Gvir Over Temple Mount Saturday Access

Israeli police are reportedly resisting demands from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to open the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to Jewish visitors on Saturdays. The police maintain their opposition to allowing Jewish entry on Saturdays, recommending the continuation of current regulations which permit visits from Sunday to Thursday within specified hours. This stance contrasts with Ben-Gvir's push to expand Jewish visiting times at the holy site, which Jews refer to as the Temple Mount. Ben-Gvir had previously urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September to change the arrangements and allow Saturday visits, which are not currently permitted.

During his Knesset election campaign, Ben-Gvir had boasted about changes he claimed to have facilitated at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, including increasing Jewish presence and allowing religious rituals. These policies have drawn criticism from Arab and Islamic circles, who view them as undermining the historical and legal status quo at the site and an attempt to alter its religious significance and management. The disagreement highlights internal Israeli divisions regarding increased Jewish access to the compound amid the sensitive situation in Jerusalem and ongoing debates over changes to entry procedures and practices within its courtyards.