Israeli authorities decided to bar Jewish settlers from entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Occupied Jerusalem from Friday until the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The plan was leaked to a number of Hebrew media outlets on Tuesday evening sparking immediate outcry from right-wing lawmakers and pundits who blasted the government for “caving to terror” following days of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police.
Israeli MK Itamar Ben Gvir considered the decision as a surrender procedure before Palestinians while the Temple Movement groups accused Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of “capitulating to terror.”
“Closing the Temple Mount to the Jews the holiest place for the people of Israel is a victory for Hamas for terrorism for the riots of our enemies” Ben-Gvir said. “Bennett handed a reward to the enemy… This bizarre decision will cost us blood. Surrendering to the enemy only begets terrorism.”
A senior American delegation is heading to the Middle East to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders “to urge de-escalation and to bring calm” according to the Hebrew media.
This came as tension continues to escalate after Israeli police gave green light to settlers’ break-ins and attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque and worshipers during the holy month of Ramadan.
