Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Leads Mass Incursions into Al-Aqsa Compound During Sukkot

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by over 1,000 Israeli settlers, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem during the Sukkot holiday. The event, characterized by the performance of Talmudic rituals and heavy security presence, has drawn sharp condemnation from Jordan, which views the actions as a violation of the historical status quo and international law. The incursions are part of a broader trend of increased settler activity and restricted access for Palestinian worshippers in the Old City.

// Background

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a flashpoint site in East Jerusalem. Under the historical status quo, the site is managed by the Jordanian-run Jerusalem Waqf Department. Tensions have escalated significantly since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, with increased settler incursions and restrictive security measures imposed on the Palestinian population in the Old City.

// Key Developments

• Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir performed Talmudic rituals and held a Torah scroll at the Al-Buraq Wall.
• Approximately 1,143 to 1,500 settlers entered the compound over the course of the holiday weekend.
• Jordanian authorities condemned the incursions as a flagrant violation of the historical and legal status quo of the holy site.
• Israeli police enforced strict security measures, including ordering Palestinian shop owners in the Old City to close their businesses during the holiday.
• The Jerusalem Waqf Department, under Jordanian jurisdiction, maintains that the 144-dunum site is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims.