Under a delicate decades-old “status quo” arrangement with Muslim authorities, the al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation, and Jews can visit but may not pray there.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement after Ben-Gvir’s visit that Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo at the compound “has not changed and will not change”.
Videos released by a Jewish organisation called the Temple Mount Administration showed Ben-Gvir leading a group walking in the compound.
The visit took place on Tisha B’Av, the fast day mourning the destruction of two ancient Jewish temples, which stood at the site centuries ago.
Israel’s official position accepts the rules restricting non-Muslim prayer at the compound, which is Islam’s third holiest site and the most sacred site in Judaism.
Ben-Gvir has visited the site in the past, calling for Jewish prayer to be allowed there.
In a statement, he expressed his hopes for Israel’s triumph against the Palestinian militant group Hamas and for the safe return of Israeli hostages detained by militants. He also reiterated his appeal for Israel to take full control of the entire enclave.
There were no immediate reports of violence on Sunday.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit, which he said “crossed all red lines”.
“The international community, specifically the US administration, is required to intervene immediately to put an end to the crimes of the settlers and the provocations of the extreme right-wing government in al-Aqsa mosque, stop the war on the Gaza Strip and bring in humanitarian aid.”
