Key facts
- Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led a large group of Jewish extremists to the al-Aqsa mosque compound.
- These incursions are seen as challenging the long-standing status quo governing the sensitive holy site.
- Jordanian officials have warned of an "imminent" Israeli takeover of the al-Aqsa compound.
- Jewish religious extremists have made numerous visits to the compound since 2023, with increased audacity.
- Israeli police have reportedly recruited extremist activists to serve in the unit policing the compound.
The al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A fragile agreement grants Muslims prayer rights while Jews pray at the Western Wall below. However, Israel's far-right, now influential in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, seeks to alter this arrangement, with some aiming to build a Jewish temple on the site.
Recent visits by Jewish extremists, often led by figures like Minister of Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, have become more frequent and audacious. These incursions involve praying and performing rituals in the center of the compound, with Israeli police providing protection and even setting up temporary structures like tents. These actions are viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to erode the existing status quo and create a new reality on the ground.
Jordanian officials, who administer the site, have issued strong warnings about the risk of an "imminent" Israeli takeover and condemned the actions as "blatant provocation." The Waqf, the Palestinian foundation managing the site, is described as "defenceless" against Israeli actions, with reports of staff being detained by Israeli intelligence. Furthermore, Israeli police have reportedly been recruiting extremist activists for the unit responsible for policing the compound.
Historically, challenges to the status quo at al-Aqsa have ignited violence. Ariel Sharon's 2000 visit to the site is cited as a spark for the second intifada, and Hamas named its October 2023 attack on Israel "al-Aqsa flood," claiming provocation by Israeli violations at the mosque. The current escalation occurs amid broader concerns about Israeli settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, particularly with national elections approaching.