Israel will cap the number of Muslim citizens who take part in peak prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque during the upcoming Ramazan holy month, the police minister said on Tuesday, citing concern the flashpoint site could see protests at the Gaza war.
Al Aqsa, one of Islam’s holiest shrines, is part of East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war and the focus of Palestinian statehood hopes. The site is also revered by Jews as a vestige of their two ancient temples.
Rules about access have been a frequent source of friction, including for Muslims who make up 18% of Israel’s population, particularly during Ramazan, which begins this year around March 10.
Israel has imposed restrictions in the past – mostly on younger Palestinians from Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. More than four months into the Gaza war, worries about flare-ups are spiralling.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said his bid to bar most Muslim citizens from Friday prayers during Ramazan was overruled by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Still, he said a cap of 40,000 to 50,000 would be imposed, having successfully argued against officials who wanted 120,000 to 150,000 admitted.
“My position in principle was accepted over (those who thought) a whole promenade of Israeli Arabs should be allowed in,” he told Army Radio on Tuesday.
The measure drew condemnation from Arab leaders, including opposition lawmaker Ahmad Tibi, who said the far-right Ben-Gvir is an “arsonist, but who has above him someone who is responsible and is handing him a jerrycan of petrol”.
Ben-Gvir voiced disappointment that Netanyahu had not accepted his proposal to empower police to enter the Al Aqsa compound and remove any flags or signs erected in support of Hamas, the Palestinian group Israel is fighting in Gaza.—AFP
