Channel 7 reported that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, a day before Israel’s parliamentary election.
Images published by the Israeli broadcaster showed Ben-Gvir at the compound with police officers and special units. Channel 7 also said he prayed at the Western Wall.
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa ranks third among holy sites. Jews refer to the broader area as Temple Mount and link it to two ancient temples.
Anadolu Agency reported that Palestinian parties accuse Ben-Gvir of using measures affecting Palestinians, their property and religious sites as part of his campaign and of seeking to intimidate Arab voters. The accusation comes amid the Arab-led Joint List’s challenge to his use of demolitions in campaign advertising.
Anadolu Agency said Ben-Gvir had made several previous visits to the site since taking office in late 2022. It said he had not announced Monday’s visit in advance.
Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot leads the opposition bloc contesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc. Voters will choose 120 members of the Knesset on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
