Israel’s Ben Gvir says he feels like the 'owner' of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

Israel’s Ben Gvir says he feels like the 'owner' of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Submitted by MEE staff on Sun, 04/12/2026 - 14:43 The far-right minister raided the holy site days after it was reopened to Palestinians following weeks of closure Muslim worshippers take part in Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, 10 April 2026 (Reuters/Ammar Awad) Off Israel ’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said on Sunday that he feels like the “owner” of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City and that he was seeking greater access for Jewish worshippers. Ben Gvir made the controversial comments during a raid of Al-Aqsa, one of Islam’s holiest sites, just days after Israel reopened the complex to Palestinian worshippers following more than a month-long closure. "Today, I feel like the owner here," the far-right minister said in a video filmed at the site and distributed by his office.