Jerusalem, July 26– In a move poised to alter a long-standing arrangement, Israel has announced that Jews are now allowed to pray on the Temple Mount, located within the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem. This was confirmed by the country’s hard-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in policy.

The Temple Mount, a site of immense religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, has historically been a focal point of tension. Under a decades-old status quo agreement involving the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and local Muslim authorities, Israeli Jews could visit the site but were prohibited from praying there. This arrangement sought to balance access to the sacred space while respecting its religious sensitivities.

Speaking at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Ben-Gvir stated, "I went to the Temple Mount last week. I prayed at the Temple Mount, and we are praying at the Temple Mount. At the political level I am at, Jews are being allowed to pray on the Temple Mount."

The announcement comes amidst conflicting statements from Israeli leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from Washington just hours before addressing the U.S. Congress, insisted that there had been no policy change. "Israel's policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque) has not changed and will not change," read a statement from Netanyahu's office. He also reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque would remain open 24/7 for Jews to allow prayers.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, known as the first Qibla in Islam, is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca's Kaaba and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The current status allows Muslims to perform regular prayers at the site under several conditions