Over 2,300 Israelis enter Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir joined a large gathering of settlers and far‑right activists at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Tuesday, a move that prompted a heightened security presence from the Jerusalem police. The event, held at the site’s main entrance, drew several hundred participants who marched in a procession that included banners supporting the right‑to‑visit policy for Israeli Jews. Police deployed a cordon of officers and armored vehicles to ensure the crowd remained contained and to prevent clashes with the Muslim quarter.

The Minister’s appearance followed a series of visits by right‑wing figures to the holy site, a location that has long been a flashpoint for Israeli‑Palestinian tensions. Security officials said the police force was prepared for potential unrest, citing the recent surge in protests and the need to safeguard both the site and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Israeli government stated that the Minister’s presence was in line with the state’s policy of allowing Jewish access to the Temple Mount, while Palestinian authorities condemned the move as provocative.

In the aftermath, the police reported no incidents of violence, and the gathering dispersed peacefully after a brief ceremony. The event underscores the continuing volatility surrounding the Temple Mount and the broader Israeli‑Palestinian dispute, with authorities maintaining a tight security posture in anticipation of future demonstrations.