Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday permitted Knesset members to break-into al-Aqsa Mosque for the first time since two and a half years.
According to Israeli media sources Netanyahu wrote to Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein that MKs should be allowed up once every three months.
In October 2015 Netanyahu barred MKs from storming the holy shrine as part of an attempt to reduce tensions after the outbreak of Jerusalem Intifada.
Jewish extremist groups have repeatedly called for the Israeli government to exercise control over al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Their increased incursions into the mosque compound have triggered Palestinian protests across the occupied West Bank including Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
Although formally banned from praying there Israeli activists enjoy police escort when they venture into the compound.
