# Israeli religious activities in East Jerusalem

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-religious-activities-in-east-jerusalem
> Updated: 2026-09-20T01:30:52.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Tensions have escalated in East Jerusalem following increased Israeli religious activities and presence at holy sites. In late August, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound accompanied by police, rabbis, and settlers to perform Talmudic rituals and advocate for a Jewish temple at the site. This action drew condemnation from Hamas and Jordan, who characterized the visit as a violation of the historical status quo.

By late September, the situation intensified as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers visited the Burak Wall under heavy security. During this period, thousands of Israelis participated in ‘Selihot’ rituals, while hundreds of settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Maghariba Gate. Hamas described these developments as a ‘dangerous escalation,’ and Palestinian authorities called for residents to gather at the mosque to protect its sanctity.

## Claims

- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers visited the Burak Wall in East Jerusalem. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Israeli security forces implemented heavy security measures around the Burak Wall area. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Thousands of Israelis entered the Burak Wall Square via Wadi Street in the Old City. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Palestinians were called to gather at Al-Aqsa Mosque to counter Israeli religious activities and occupation plans. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The visit followed calls for religious rituals and prayers at the Mercy Gate of Al-Aqsa Mosque. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Hamas described the visit as a provocation and an attack on the identity and status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Netanyahu and thousands of Israelis visit Burak Wall in East Jerusalem

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and thousands of Israelis visited the Burak Wall in East Jerusalem amid heavy security, sparking condemnation from Hamas and calls for Palestinian mobilization at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jerusalem-governorate-reports-netanyahu-and-thousands-enter-wailing-wall

### 2026-08-31: Itamar Ben-Gvir enters Al-Aqsa Mosque with settlers and police

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound with settlers and police, performing religious rituals and sparking condemnation from Hamas and Jordan.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/itamar-ben-gvir-enters-al-aqsa-mosque-to-perform-talmudic-rituals

---
Cite as: Israeli religious activities in East Jerusalem. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israeli-religious-activities-in-east-jerusalem