Israeli far-right minister enters Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police protection

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on April 12, 2026, accompanied by heavy Israeli police protection. Ben-Gvir, who has repeatedly joined Jewish settlers in incursions into the site, stated he feels "like the owner here" and said he is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expand such actions. The Al-Aqsa compound is one of Islam's holiest sites and a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions; such ministerial visits typically trigger regional protests and international concern. The incident reflects ongoing disputes over access to Jerusalem's contested religious sites and Israeli government policy toward Palestinian holy places.