Temple Mount restrictions to affect both Palestinians and Israelis during Ramadan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting on February 18 to discuss security measures on the Temple Mount during Ramadan.

The meeting was attended by several officials, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, ministers Aryeh Deri, Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, Yariv Levin, Ron Dermer, head of the National Security Council Tzachi Hanegbi, and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.

During the meeting, security officials cautioned against banning Palestinian Arabs from accessing the Temple Mount, warning that it could escalate tensions. They recommended allowing men over 60 and women over 50 to pray on the Temple Mount after screening.

According to Ynet, Itamar Ben Gvir proposed limiting access to the Temple Mount for Israeli Arabs and preventing Muslims from the Palestinian Authority from entering Israeli territory. He argued that visiting the Temple Mount would be seen as a "prize" for Muslims while Israelis are held captive in Gaza. Ben Gvir also called for police intervention if worshipers displayed Hamas flags, although this request was denied.

According to Israel Hayom, it was decided during the meeting to permit entry to the Temple Mount for Palestinian Authority residents over 60 and children under 10, with a total limit of 15,000 worshipers. Tens of thousands of East Jerusalem residents and Israeli Arabs will also be allowed. The police will determine in the coming days whether age restrictions will apply to Israelis. Benjamin Netanyahu supported the introduction of restrictions for Israeli Arabs, leaving the criteria for Israeli access to be determined by the police.