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Ben-Gvir lifts ban on Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount

New guidelines from the national security minister reportedly instructed police not to enforce an unofficial prohibition which has remained in place for decades

June 27, 2025 09:39
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Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (centre) has reportedly issued new policing guidance effectively lifting the ban on Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount

By

JC Reporter,

Jewish News Syndicate

1 min read

Jewish visitors were permitted to sing and dance openly throughout the entire Temple Mount compound on Wednesday, following a policy directive issued by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The development represents a dramatic change from past practice, where Jewish prayer—even whispered—on the Temple Mount could lead to arrest, detention or being barred from the site for months.

For decades, Israeli police enforced strict limitations on Jewish religious expression on the Mount, citing security concerns and maintaining the status quo agreement with the Waqf Islamic trust that administers the site – which is also home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque

However, under Ben-Gvir’s new guidelines, police have been instructed to allow Jewish prayers and songs throughout the compound, according to Israel National News.