OMM Newsroom
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday under heavy police protection, on the eve of Israel’s general election, Anadolu Agency reported.
Israel’s Channel 7 said Ben-Gvir visited the flashpoint site amid tight security and prayed at the Al-Buraq Wall, also known as the Western Wall, on the western side of the compound. The channel published photographs showing him surrounded by police officers and special units inside the compound, and praying at the site.
Ben-Gvir did not announce the visit in advance. He has made several similar visits since taking office in late 2022.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews refer to the area as the “Temple Mount” and say it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
Palestinian parties accused Ben-Gvir of using measures targeting Palestinians, their property and holy sites as part of his election campaign and to intimidate Arab voters in Israel. The hardline minister has also used measures against mosques and the demolition of Palestinian homes as part of his campaign.
Israeli voters are due to cast ballots on Tuesday to elect the 120 members of the Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc is competing primarily against an opposition bloc led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot.
