Israel will put a limit on the number of Muslim citizens who will participate in the prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, during the sanctuary month of Ramadan looming, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in charge of the police, announced today, citing concerns about possible protests at the Islamic holy site due to the war in Gaza.

Al-Aqsa, one of the holiest sites for Islam, belongs to East Jerusalem, was captured by Israel in 1967 in the “Six Day War” and is a red line for Muslims.

But the mosque is also considered the holiest site in Judaism, as it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

The regulations governing access to it have often been a source of friction, including for Muslims who make up 18% of Israel’s population and especially during Ramadan, which this year begins on March 10.

In the past Israel imposed restrictions mainly on younger Palestinians from Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

More than four months since the war in Gaza began, fears of a resurgence are growing.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said his proposal to ban most Muslim citizens from Friday prayers there during Ramadan was rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, a ceiling of 40,000 to 50,000 will be imposed as opposed to officials’ desire for 120,000 to 150,000 Muslims.

Arab leaders condemn

“In theory my position was accepted against (those who thought) that the entire pilgrimage should be allowed to the Arabs of Israel,” he told army radio today.

The move drew condemnation from Arab leaders, including opposition lawmaker Ahmad Tibi, who said the far-right Ben-Gvir was an “arsonist, but he has someone above him who is responsible and giving him a can of petrol”. .

Ben-Gvir expressed his disappointment that Netanyahu did not accept his proposal to grant police powers to enter the compound and remove flags or other symbols that may have been placed there in support of Hamas, the Islamist Palestinian group which Israel is fighting in Gaza.

Citing the plight of hostages held in Gaza, Ben-Gvir argued that it would be an “image of defeat” to allow such displays of solidarity in the city that Israel considers its capital, a status that is not widely recognized internationally.