Netanyahu agrees to Ben-Gvir's proposed al-Aqsa Mosque restrictions

TEL AVIV — Israel will limit access for Muslim worshipers to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, according a statement released Monday from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, claiming the restrictions are because of a need for increased security.

Hamas' military operation on Oct. 7 was called al-Aqsa Flood, named for the mosque and purportedly carried out in retaliation for ongoing Israeli aggression against Muslim worshipers there. Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) both denounced the restrictions and called for Palestinians to mobilize against them.

A source who participated in the meeting that took place between Netanyahu and Israeli security officials told Haaretz that the prime minister's decision to accept the restrictions — originally proposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir — was taken contrary to the Shin Bet security position.

Netanyahu did not go further to accept Ben-Givr's second proposal calling to allow for police to raid al-Aqsa Mosque should worshipers display any symbol of the Palestinian cause or even display the Palestinian flag, Haaretz reports.

The meeting of Israeli officials decided that the criteria regarding which Palestinians would be allowed to worship at al-Aqsa would be determined at a later date, following "police instructions."

Palestinian Muslims perform the Friday Noon prayer on a street in east Jerusalem on Feb. 16, 2024, as age restrictions have been imposed to access the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. (Credit: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)

Al-Aqsa, one of the holiest sites in the world for Muslims, sits on a hilltop in Jerusalem's Old City at a location also revered by Jews as the site of their temples of biblical times. Rules about access to the site have been a frequent source of tension, particularly during holidays including Ramadan, which begins this year on or around March 10.

Asked by Reuters about the possibility of blocking access to al-Aqsa, Netanyahu's office said: "The prime minister made a balanced decision to allow freedom of worship within the security needs determined by professionals," and gave no further details.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right coalition partner in Netanyahu's government, said those who hate Israel would use the event to show support for the Hamas leadership and incite violence.

"The entry of tens of thousands of haters in a victory celebration on the Temple Mount is a security threat to Israel," Ben Gvir said.

Hamas called the proposed restrictions "a continuation of Zionist criminality and religious warfare led by the extremist settlers group in the terrorist occupation government against our Palestinian people."

The group called on Palestinians in Israel, Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank to "reject this criminal decision, resist the occupation’s arrogance and insolence, and mobilize to stand firm and steadfast in al-Aqsa Mosque."