Al-Aqsa Mosque: Tensions Rise Amid Ben-Gvir Visit and Record Prayers

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on April 12, 2026, marking his third incursion into the site this year. The visit, conducted under heavy protection from Israeli forces and accompanied by settlers, has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian authorities and the Jordanian government.

According to the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, the body holding recognized exclusive administrative authority over the site, Ben-Gvir entered the mosque courtyards on the evening of April 12, 2026, through the Moroccan Gate. During the visit, Ben-Gvir offered Jewish prayers at the site. Under the status quo arrangement in place since 1967, Jewish people are permitted to visit the compound, but praying there is not allowed for non-Muslims.

Diplomatic and Political Condemnation

The government of Jordan issued a statement through its Foreign Ministry describing the visit as a violation of the status quo agreement at the site and characterizing it as a desecration of its sanctity, a condemnable escalation and an unacceptable provocation.

The presidency of the Palestinian Authority also condemned the incursion, calling it a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo at the holy site. These reactions reflect growing tensions as incursions into the compound have become more frequent in recent years.

A spokesperson for Ben-Gvir stated that the minister’s objective was to secure prayer rights for Jewish visitors. The compound, which is the third-holiest site in Islam, is identified by Jews as the Temple Mount and is considered the holiest site in Judaism.

Proposed Changes to Site Access

The visit occurs amid reports that Israeli police, overseen by Ben-Gvir, are preparing a plan to alter access to the site. This plan reportedly involves admitting up to 150 individuals, either Israelis or Muslims, at a time.

The Al-Quds International Institution criticized this proposal, stating that the move would deepen the division of Al-Aqsa Mosque and serve as a prelude to its complete Judaization. The institution further alleged that such a plan would effectively place Ben-Gvir in control of the mosque’s affairs, sidelining the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf.

‘If implemented, Al-Aqsa Mosque will effectively be closed to Muslims and open to settler incursions. This is a humiliating act of aggression’

Al-Quds International Institution

This controversy is heightened by the fact that Israeli authorities have barred Muslim worshippers from accessing the mosque for more than a month, an unprecedented closure that has continued while the site remains open for settler incursions.

Regional Context and Security

The tensions at the Al-Aqsa compound coincide with broader instability in the region. On April 12, 2026, Israeli forces arrested at least 18 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israeli army raids were reported across the occupied West Bank overnight.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not commented on Ben-Gvir’s specific visit on April 12, the office has previously stated its commitment to the existing rules governing the site.