Nine Israeli ministers and 13 lawmakers have called on police to allow occupiers to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound this Friday. The request is intended to mark the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.
The demand was detailed in a letter sent to the police and published on Monday by Beyadenu, a far-right organization that encourages incursions into the mosque. Most of the signatories are members of the right-wing Likud party.
Signatories and Political Affiliations
The Likud ministers who signed the request include Defense Minister Israel Katz, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Health Minister Haim Katz, and Energy Minister Eli Cohen. Other signatories include Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Sports Minister Miki Zohar, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, and Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel.
Zeev Elkin, a minister in the Finance Ministry from the right-wing New Hope bloc, also signed the letter. Ten Likud lawmakers and three lawmakers from the far-right Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, joined the request.
The Likud party is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been wanted by the International Criminal Court since 2024 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
Significance of the Timing
The anniversary of the 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem falls on May 15, which corresponds to Friday under the Hebrew calendar. Tens of thousands of Palestinians typically gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque early Friday mornings for weekly prayers.
Palestinians view these incursions as part of intensified efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem and erase its Arab and Islamic identity. They seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, noting that international resolutions do not recognize the 1967 occupation or the 1980 annexation.
Past incursions into the mosque compound have often included the raising of Israeli flags and the performance of Talmudic rituals and prayers, which are viewed as provocations against Muslim worshippers.
Potential Outcomes
Last week, three ministers had signed the request, and Israeli Army Radio reported that police were expected to reject it. It remains unclear if that position will stand now that the number of backing ministers has tripled.
Depending on the police response, the upcoming Friday could see a possible increase in incursions. Such an event may lead to further friction between worshippers and occupiers during the anniversary commemorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary groups calling for the incursions?
The request was signed by nine ministers (mostly from the Likud party and one from the New Hope bloc) and 13 lawmakers (from Likud and the Religious Zionism party).
Why is Friday, May 15, significant?
It marks the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
How do Palestinians view these actions?
Palestinians see these incursions as an attempt to erase the Arab and Islamic identity of East Jerusalem and as part of a broader effort to Judaize the city.
How do you think these demands will impact the stability of East Jerusalem?
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