Bennett: Israel ‘surrendered’ at Al-Aqsa

Israel’s actions at Al-Aqsa mosque have been classed as a “surrender” by Education Minister Naftali Bennett.

In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party said: “Israel comes out weakened from this crisis. Instead of sending a message about Israel’s sovereignty on the Temple Mount, it sent a message that Israel’s sovereignty can be questioned.”

Bennett had voted against the decision to remove the metal detectors that occupation forces had installed at the entrance to the Muslim holy site, as well as opposing the removal of advanced surveillance systems in the compound.

Read more: Palestinians celebrate as Al-Aqsa security set-up removed

Israel setup metal detectors and security barriers at the doors of Al-Aqsa Mosque on 16 July 2017. The move was rejected by Palestinians who saw this as a step towards the further Judaisation of occupied East Jerusalem and a change to the agreed status quo at the Muslim holy site. In protest, Palestinians held sit-ins and protests at the doors of the compound refusing to pass through the new security measures.