Another erosion of the status quo: Ben Gvir went up to the Temple Mount with a prayer book

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascended the Temple Mount with a Sukkot prayer book, in violation of police guidelines prohibiting prayer and the use of a prayer book at the site. This is another step in a series of moves by the minister to erode the status quo on the mount, while exploiting a previous pilot that allowed entry with prayer books. Ben Gvir is now aiming to authorize entry with tzitzit.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascended the Temple Mount on Monday evening (September 28) with a Sukkot prayer book in hand, in violation of police guidelines prohibiting Jewish prayer on the mount and the use of a prayer book, which is considered part of prohibited prayer accessories. This is another step in a series of moves by the minister to erode the status quo on the Temple Mount. Several weeks ago, the police conducted a pilot that allowed entry with prayer books, an initiative originating from the minister's circle. He is now using this to argue that he has already entered with prayer sheets and a booklet of lamentations, and therefore there is no reason to ban entry with a prayer book. The next step Ben Gvir is aiming for is authorization to enter with tzitzit, a step requiring police approval subject to a situation assessment and the decision of the Police Commissioner. During Ben Gvir's tenure, the status quo has been stretched, and more Jewish prayers and prostrations have been permitted on the mount, causing international tension, especially with Jordan, which has a special status at the site.