Israel bans visits of Jews to Temple Mount in last 10 days of Ramadan
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision rejected the request of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday to ban Jews from visiting the Temple Mount until the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as a way to contain the ongoing escalation at Al-Aqsa mosque following last week's clashes.
Beginning on Wednesday, Jews will be prevented from ascending the Temple Mount for the last 10 days of Ramadan, considered the most holy month in Islam. During this period, Muslim worshipers traditionally spend the night at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Netanyahu’s decision was taken following a recommendation to ban Jews during this period by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. Only far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir objected.
Israeli authorities reported that 748 Jews had visited the site on Tuesday. In total, 3,013 Jews visited the mount during the Passover week, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year.
