Israeli cabinet revoke Ben-Gvir's authority over Al-Aqsa Mosque

By Al Mayadeen English
29 Feb 2024 00:20
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Ben-Gvir's previously approved plan to prohibit Palestinians from visiting Al-Aqsa during Ramadan has been retracted, as well as his authority over the mosque.

Israel's police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, attends the weekly cabinet meeting in occupied al-Quds, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 (AP)

Israeli media reported on Wednesday that the Israeli war cabinet revoked Israeli occupation Police Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir's jurisdictions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Earlier, Ben-Gvir had proposed a plan that prohibited the access of Muslim worshippers from the occupied territories in 1948 and the West Bank to al-Aqsa Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Although Benjamin Netanyahu had succumbed to Ben-Gvir's demands previously, the Israeli war cabinet opposed the measure fearing the fueling of tensions. The cabinet also removed the police minister from its work schedule and confirmed it would be making decisions on his behalf, the Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said.

It was additionally reported that cabinet members Benny Gantz, Yoav Galant, and Gadi Eisenkot urged Netanyahu to prohibit Ben-Gvir from partaking in decisions affecting the holy site, saying "In an exploding issue, there is no space for foreign and political considerations."

The decision came after Israeli police warned against the measure, saying this would incite clashes in the vicinity.

The head of the Israeli opposition Yair Lapid reportedly commended the cabinet's "right decision to revoke Ben-Gvir's authority over the security of Al-Aqsa Mosque."

In response, Ben-Gvir said he is certain Netanyahu will deny what has been reported.

Israeli intelligence fears 'explosive' month of Ramadan

Israeli military and intelligence authorities have expressed concern regarding the upcoming month of Ramadan, recommending that concerned authorities ease measures against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds.

Ramadan is set to commence in early March this year, and the holy month is synonymous with several occasions that Muslims celebrate. Recently, the occupation has severely restricted the entry of Palestinians to one of the holiest sites, al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied al-Quds. The measure comes hand in hand with increased systematic oppression of Palestinians in the occupied territory, including wide-scale detention campaigns and assassinations against Palestinians in the West Bank.

In this context, Israeli military and intelligence officials have recommended that restrictions be eased, fearing that "Hamas takes advantage of the most important time for Muslims, as a chance to ignite the [West Bank]," Yoav Zitun, the military affairs analyst for Israeli news website Ynet, wrote.