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Extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday under heavy police protection on the eve of Israel’s general elections, Anadolu reports.
Israeli Channel 7 reported that Ben-Gvir entered the flashpoint site amid tight security measures and performed prayers at the Al-Buraq Wall (Western Wall), the western portion of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area Temple Mount, claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
A photo published by the channel showed Ben-Gvir surrounded by Israeli police officers and special units inside the mosque compound.
READ: Netanyahu says Ben-Gvir will hold prominent ministerial position in next government
Ben-Gvir had not announced the visit in advance, as was the case with several previous incursions since he took office in late 2022.
Another photo published by Channel 7 showed him praying at the site.
Monday’s intrusion came amid accusations by Palestinian parties that Ben-Gvir is using measures targeting Palestinians, their property and holy sites as part of his election campaign and to intimidate Arab voters in Israel.
The hardline minister also used measures against mosques and demolitions of Palestinian homes as part of his electoral campaign.
Israeli voters will cast ballots on Tuesday to elect the 120 members of the Knesset, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc competing primarily against an opposition bloc led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot.
READ: Israel’s Ben-Gvir boasts of Gaza’s destruction, mocks Palestinian residents in AI-generated video
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