Full Breakdown
Jews Pray on Temple Mount During Sukkot Amid Status-Quo Tensions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Mass Visit and Open Prayer at the Temple Mount
During the first day of the Sukkot holiday, more than 1,000 Jews ascended the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. Video footage showed groups openly reciting prayers and holding the Four Species, a ritual normally confined to the Jewish sanctuary. Police removed five individuals after they recited the Four Species and the Kaddish prayer. Among the visitors was MK Yitzhak Kroizer of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, who posted video of himself praying on the site.
Background & Context
Under the long-standing “status-quo” arrangement, Jews and Christians may visit the Temple Mount but are generally prohibited from praying there, while Muslims conduct worship at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The non-profit Beyadenu – Returning to the Temple Mount – announced the pilgrimage on social media, emphasizing that groups are limited to 90–100 people per entry. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has repeatedly suggested that Jewish prayer is now permissible, framing the policy shift as an “initial experiment” to prevent regional escalation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has publicly maintained the existing prohibition.
Data & Statistics
- Reported visitors: over 1,100 and about 1,000.
- Maximum group size allowed by Beyadenu: 90–100 persons.
- Police action: five visitors removed for performing prohibited prayers.
Official Statements & Responses
The Israel Police explained its operational approach: “The Israel Police operates on the Temple Mount in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the established rules governing the site, and operational assessments, with the aim of safeguarding public safety, security, and public order.” (Israel Police)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, as reported by Times of Israel, remains that the longstanding ban on Jewish prayer continues to apply, creating a direct contrast with the minister’s statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Still no blanket permit, but an initial experiment aimed at ensuring the Middle East doesn’t lose its mind over this,” — Arnon Segal, journalist
- “The Israel Police operates on the Temple Mount in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the established rules governing the site, and operational assessments, with the aim of safeguarding public safety, security, and public order,” — Israel Police
- “Precisely today, when we have proven to our enemies the strength of the people of Israel, it is important to continue strengthening our presence and sovereignty in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount,” — Yitzhak Kroizer, MK