Israeli ministers demand Al-Aqsa storming on Jerusalem day
Nine Israeli ministers and 13 lawmakers have demanded police allow settlers to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Friday, marking the anniversary of Israel’s 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem. The request includes senior Likud figures, despite previous police reluctance.
A group of nine Israeli ministers and 13 lawmakers has formally requested that police permit Jewish settlers to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem this Friday. The date coincides with the Hebrew calendar anniversary of Israel’s 1967 occupation of the city’s eastern sector. The letter was published Monday by Beyadenu, a far-right organisation that encourages settler incursions into the holy site.
Signatories and political weight
Most signatories belong to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen. Ministers from the far-right Religious Zionism party also signed. Three ministers had made the same request last week, and Israeli Army Radio reported at the time that police were expected to reject it. It remains unclear whether the growing political pressure — from three to nine ministers — will change that stance.
Palestinian reaction
Tens of thousands of Palestinians typically gather at Al-Aqsa for Friday prayers. Settler incursions often involve provocative acts such as Talmudic rituals, prayers, and Israeli flag displays. Palestinians view such actions as part of Israel’s systematic efforts to Judaise occupied East Jerusalem and erase its Arab-Islamic identity.
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