Police Shorten Ban on Temple Mount Activist After Policy Shift

Israeli police have cut by three months the ban imposed on Temple Mount activist Tom Nissani, who had been removed from the site after raising an Israeli flag there on Independence Day. The reduction came after a change in police policy toward such incidents.

Last month, the outlet Arutz 7 reported that a similar ban on attorney Nili Naauri had been canceled after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said removals from the Temple Mount for flying Israeli flags would stop. Following that policy change, attorney Yael Horovitz, representing the legal aid fund for Temple Mount visitors affiliated with the B'Yadenu movement, asked police to cancel Nissani's restriction.

After reviewing the request, police decided instead to shorten the expulsion period. Akiva Yoel Ariel, acting director general of B'Yadenu, welcomed the decision and said it marked a major reversal and a significant achievement for Temple Mount visitors. He also praised Ben Gvir for his work this term to improve conditions.

Ariel added that flying the Israeli flag on the Mount, or anywhere in the Land of Israel, is a basic right that should not be infringed.