Israeli Government Spokesperson Says the Cabinet is Still Discussing Access to the Al Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan

Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex. (Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Shiva)

JAKARTA - Israel is still discussing the possibility of restricting access to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan, a government spokesman said, after media reported that the right-wing security minister might be ignored on the issue.

The Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, is the focus of Palestinian statehood hopes. The site is also revered by Jews as a remnant of two of their ancient temples.

Reflecting on previous years, Israel's control over access often triggers political friction, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Last week, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said there would be a quota for the 18 percent of members of Israel's Muslim minority who want to take part in prayers for peace at Al Aqsa.

This would add to the harsh crackdown Israel has taken against Palestinians since Hamas' offensive across the border from the Gaza Strip on October 7, codenamed "Al Aqsa Floods", sparked the ongoing Gaza war.

However, Israel's highest-rated Channel 12 television channel reported on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would ignore Ben-Gvir's words.

"The specific issue regarding prayers on the Temple Mount, at Al Aqsa, is currently still under cabinet discussion," said government spokesman Avi Hyman in a briefing on Thursday, as reported by Reuters, March 1.

He added that the final decision would consider public safety and health, as well as freedom of worship.

Separately, a spokesperson for Ben-Gvir did not respond to a request for comment. On Wednesday, Ben-Gvir posted in X that any attempt to override his authority would amount to “capitulation to terror,” and urged Netanyahu to deny the Channel 12 report.