On August 3, 2025, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, openly defying long-standing rules that prohibit Jewish prayer at the site. His visit coincided with Tisha B’Av, a Jewish fast day that mourns the destruction of ancient temples.
Reports indicate that Ben-Gvir prayed at the site, as shown in unverified videos circulating online. The Waqf, the Jordanian-administered organisation responsible for managing the compound, reported that 1,250 visitors, including Ben-Gvir, participated in prayer, shouting, and even dancing.
The Al-Aqsa compound, known as Temple Mount to Jews, is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred site in Judaism. The area is governed by a “status quo” agreement that permits Jewish visits but prohibits prayer.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem and said he prayed there, challenging rules covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East https://t.co/rx23pNVqHg pic.twitter.com/GnQXYHhbZq
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 3, 2025Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to maintaining this policy, stating, “Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo has not changed and will not change.” Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has repeatedly advocated for Jewish prayer rights at the site, mentioned that he prayed for Israel to achieve victory over Hamas and for the return of hostages from Gaza. He has also called for Israel to take control of the enclave.
The visit sparked outrage, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, denouncing it as a violation of “all red lines.” He called for U.S. intervention to stop Israeli provocations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Previous suggestions to change the rules regarding Al-Aqsa have incited violence, although no immediate clashes were reported. Additionally, Pakistan condemned the visit, heightening regional tensions.
Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led over 1,250 settlers in a provocative incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque, defying long-standing restrictions and performing Jewish rituals.
The move, condemned as a dangerous escalation, is seen as part of a broader campaign to alter the… pic.twitter.com/auJl1YUbNK
— TRT World (@trtworld) August 3, 2025Ben-Gvir’s actions may escalate the already volatile Middle East conflict, threatening the fragile balance surrounding Al-Aqsa. This incident highlights the complex relationship between religion, politics, and international relations. For accurate updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, it’s essential to rely on trusted sources to avoid misinformation.
