Temple Mount Sukkot Tensions
Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Visits Temple Mount Amid Sukkot Tensions
Anonymous
During Sukkot, hundreds of Israelis, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and far-right lawmakers, visited Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, where reports said some Jews prayed despite a longstanding arrangement generally barring non-Muslim prayer. Israeli groups reported more than 1,100 Jewish visitors on the holiday’s first day, while Jerusalem authorities said about 900 entered during a later incursion; one report said police removed five visitors for religious acts. Ben-Gvir said Jews were “the owners” of the site, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Jewish prayer is not permitted under the status quo. Palestinian officials condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit as a dangerous provocation, and Palestinian shopkeepers near the compound were reportedly ordered to close during the holiday. Separately, more than 50,000 Jewish worshippers gathered at the Western Wall for the Sukkot priestly blessing, as police prepared for further holiday crowds.
Key Points
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Beyadenu said visitors were admitted in groups limited to 90–100 people, and that police removed five visitors after they recited the Four Species blessing and said the Kaddish prayer.
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The Jerusalem governorate said Israeli forces closed streets and intersections leading to the compound; the report also said residents in nearby areas were ordered to stay inside their homes during the holiday.
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MK Yitzhak Kroizer said he visited the site to pray and celebrate Sukkot, and to mark two years since Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed; he described the visit as a way to strengthen Israel’s presence and sovereignty in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount.
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A report said Ben-Gvir had claimed in August that Jewish men could bring prayer books onto the Temple Mount. Israel Police said it acted according to political directives, established rules for the site, and operational assessments to protect safety, security, and public order.
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The Times of Israel report described the site’s governance: Israel maintains overall security, while the Islamic Waqf administers religious activities.
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