Israeli minister calls for restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque entry during Ramadan

JERUSALEM 

Extremist right-wing Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has urged the police to allow only a few thousand Muslims to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to Israeli media.

During their meeting, Ben Gvir on Sunday told Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai to restrict the number of Muslim worshippers in Al-Aqsa to ensure police readiness to swiftly respond to any disturbances, the Israeli daily Maariv reported.

The daily also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to discuss the issue of restrictions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan with Ben Gvir, Shabtai, and officials from the Shin Bet security service and the Israeli army on Monday.

Last month, Israeli security agencies opposed Ben Gvir's intention to prohibit Palestinians from the West Bank from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli police have imposed restrictions on Palestinian worshippers from all areas, especially on Fridays, from entering the mosque.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio