developing· Security· Updated
Police Oppose Allowing Jews Entry to Al-Aqsa Courtyards on Saturdays
Israeli police have submitted a professional opinion opposing the opening of the Temple Mount to Jewish visitors on Saturdays. This stance directly contradicts the efforts of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has been pushing to expand Jewish access to the holy site.
3 newsrooms · 3 languages · since
What happened
- 01Israeli police oppose opening the Temple Mount to Jewish visitors on Saturdays, contradicting National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- 02The police recommendation to maintain the Saturday closure is based on security assessments and the need to preserve calm.
- 03Minister Ben-Gvir appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September 2026 to allow Jewish entry on Saturdays.
- 04A petition has been filed with the High Court of Justice demanding that the Temple Mount be opened to Jews on Saturdays.
- 05Current policy restricts Jewish visits to the Temple Mount to specific hours from Sunday to Thursday.
- 06According to Panet, Arab and Islamic nations have previously condemned Ben-Gvir's efforts to alter the status quo at the site.
Currently, Jewish visits to the Temple Mount are permitted only from Sunday to Thursday during specific hours. Minister Ben-Gvir has advocated for changing this policy to include Saturdays, arguing that the move would enhance governance. In September 2026, Ben-Gvir appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the change, and the minister's position has also been presented in connection with a petition filed with the High Court of Justice demanding the site's opening on Saturdays.
The police recommend maintaining the current restrictions, citing security assessments and the critical need to preserve calm at the sensitive site. According to Panet, Ben-Gvir's previous efforts to alter policies and allow Jewish rituals at the site have drawn condemnation from Arab and Islamic nations, who view such moves as violations of the status quo.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Panet. Read Panet’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- Centre1
- RightNone
- HarediNone
- Arab2
