Israeli authorities plan to hand over security at the Al-Aqsa Mosque to religious Jews

Israeli authorities have launched a plan to enlist religious Jews and far-right activists to serve within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli law enforcement agencies have begun actively collaborating with radical groups to strengthen control over the Muslim holy site.

Calls to join the police force are being actively circulated on social media and messaging apps. Posts are being shared in closed communities of Israeli settlers in the West Bank and on forums of far-right organizations. This campaign is being coordinated by Deputy Police Commander Daniel Lerach.

The actions of the security forces are supported at the highest government level, particularly by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has consistently advocated for changing the status of the Temple Mount. In turn, the Jerusalem administration and Palestinian representatives have expressed deep concern over these developments, calling these steps a dangerous attempt to destroy Jerusalem’s Islamic identity. At present, according to international agreements, the Department of Islamic Waqf remains the sole authorized body overseeing the mosque.