Israel's Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa Mosque compound seeking Jewish prayer accessseeking Jewish prayer access
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on April 12, 2026, accompanied by settlers and under heavy police protection. He performed prayers there and stated he felt like the 'landlord' or 'master' of the site, pushing for greater Jewish worship access despite the longstanding ban on Jewish prayer. The visit followed the site's reopening after a 40-day closure during the Iran war.
The move drew sharp condemnation from Palestinians, Jordan, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as a dangerous provocation that violates the status quo administered by a Jordanian trust. Critics warn it risks escalating regional tensions at this flashpoint holy site revered by Muslims as Islam's third-holiest shrine and by Jews as the Temple Mount. The incident highlights ongoing disputes over Jerusalem's sacred areas amid broader Israeli-Palestinian frictions.
Israeli Far-Right Perspective
Ben-Gvir's visit asserts Jewish rights at the Temple Mount, their holiest site. He seeks to end restrictions on Jewish prayer, viewing the compound as sovereign Israeli territory. This action promotes equal access for worshippers after the site's recent reopening.
Palestinian and Arab Perspective
The visit represents a provocative incursion by an extremist minister with settlers, challenging the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque. It forms part of Israel's plan to alter holy sites' demographics and divide the compound, violating international law. Officials demand global intervention to stop such escalations threatening regional stability.
- Jordan administers the Jerusalem Waqf under a 1994 peace treaty with Israel.
- OIC formed in 1969 after an Australian extremist's arson attack on Al-Aqsa.
- King Herod expanded the Temple Mount platform around 20 BCE.
Israel-Hamas War
Israel and Hamas are in the second phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, with the last living hostages already returned and Israel still holding a large security presence inside Gaza.[5][7][8] The main dispute now is over Hamas disarmament, the scope and pace of Israeli withdrawal, and who will govern Gaza after the fighting.
7 October
Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,300 people and taking hundreds of hostages2008-2009
Israel launches major military operation in Gaza; conflict kills hundreds and displaces thousands
