Israeli Minister Joins Thousands of Jewish Visitors at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, Sparking Condemnation

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined thousands of Jewish visitors entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, triggering renewed condemnation from Palestinian and Jordanian authorities.

More than 4,000 Jewish visitors reportedly entered the compound under heavy Israeli police protection during Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of mourning commemorating the destruction of ancient temples in Jerusalem. Some reports placed the confirmed number at more than 3,200 earlier in the day, with additional groups expected to enter later.

During the visit, participants were reportedly allowed to conduct Jewish prayers, sing religious songs, bow and display Israeli flags within the compound. Critics described the activities as a major violation of the longstanding status quo governing worship at the site.

Under the traditional arrangement, the compound is administered by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, a Jordanian-appointed religious authority. Non-Muslims are permitted to visit during designated hours, but only Muslims are officially allowed to pray there.

Ben-Gvir praised the Jewish visitors who prayed at the compound, despite the existing arrangements restricting non-Muslim worship. His presence and statements were widely viewed as provocative because of the site’s religious and political sensitivity.

The compound is known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif and is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. It is Islam’s third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount and regard it as their holiest religious site.

Palestinian religious authorities condemned the mass entry, warning that attempts to alter the compound’s identity and worship arrangements could intensify tensions across Jerusalem and the wider region.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the visit, describing it as an unacceptable provocation and a violation of the historical and legal status of the holy site. Jordan has a recognised custodial role over Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem.

The incident reportedly involved Israeli police restricting the movement of Muslim worshippers while Jewish groups entered the compound in organised batches. Witnesses said prayers and nationalist activities were conducted openly in several areas.

Friends of Al-Aqsa chairman Ismail Patel said the activities represented one of the most significant breaches of the established arrangements since Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967. He claimed Israeli police had permitted practices that previously would have been restricted.