The Temple Mount
The Temple MountYossi Aloni/Flash90

The government is expected to limit the entry of Jews to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

According to Kan 11, a group of senior officials discussed security preparations leading up to Ramadan last week. During the meeting, the issue of the Temple Mount was raised, and the security establishment asked to close the holy site to Jews during the final 10 days of the month, as was done in previous years.

The report states that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) shouted during the discussion, "Even the Bennet government didn't limit entry like you want to. The previous government closed the site for nine days, and the defense establishment wanted 10. I don't think we need to close the Temple Mount to Jews at all."

A government source did not deny the allegation that the government will close the Temple Mount to Jews for part of Ramadan and stated: "It was agreed that we must balance the Muslim tradition to sleep on the mount and the Jewish visitors' will to visit."

According to the source, "Since this is not a matter of status quo, and is discussed in regard to the current situation every year, it was decided that the issue will be discussed at a later date."

Tom Nissani, CEO of the Biyadenu Temple Mount advocacy group, stated: "Making the Temple Mount clean of Jews and stealing the four hours Jews have a day to visit the site during Passover will turn the Temple Mount, as in every year, into a terror site; destruction of archeologic remains and attacks on police certainly won't help. The full responsibility for surrendering to terrorists lies on the ministers in the government and the cabinet. Come to your senses."