The rabbis of Jerusalem have condemned National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's announcement that "his policy is to allow Jews to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque," emphasizing the traditional Jewish legal ruling that prohibits Jews from even entering the sacred site. The condemnation came from five prominent rabbis in Jerusalem: Isaac Yosef, Avigdor Nebenzahl, Shmuel Betzalel, Simcha Rabinovich, and David Cohen.
The Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported that this condemnation was made at the request of Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon and security officials who wanted to alleviate concerns among the Arab public regarding changes in the sensitive status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jewish attempts to gain greater control over it, which Israel has long denied.
Rabbi Isaac Yosef stated, "Do not view the involved ministers as representatives of the people of Israel. They do not represent the people of Israel." He added, addressing the countries of the world, "Please calm things down. We all believe in one God and want peace between nations. We should not allow extreme extremism to lead us."
Ben Gvir announced on Tuesday that "his policy is to allow Jews to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque," where Jewish worshippers openly bowed and prayed audibly at the site in unprecedented scenes. The Prime Minister's Office stated, "The incident that occurred at the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a deviation from the status quo. Israel's policy at the Al-Aqsa Mosque has not changed."
