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, Reuters reports.
Videos released by a small Jewish organisation called the Temple Mount Administration showed Ben-Gvir leading a group walking in the compound. Other videos circulating online appeared to show Ben-Gvir praying. Reuters could not immediately verify the content of the other videos.
The visit to the compound known to Jews as Temple Mount, took place on Tisha B’av, the fast day mourning the destruction of two ancient Jewish temples, which stood at the site centuries ago.
The Waqf, the foundation that administers the complex, said Ben-Gvir was among another 1,250 who ascended the site and who it said prayed, shouted and danced.
Ben-Gvir said in a statement he prayed for Israel’s victory over Hamas in the war on Gaza and for the return of Israeli hostages being held by fighters there. He repeated his call for Israel to conquer the entire enclave.
