12.05.2026 01:50
Far-right figures within the Israeli government have taken action to organize a mass entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem. 22 Israeli politicians, including ministers and members of parliament, submitted an official request to the police on May 15 for Israelis to be allowed into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The call for a raid on a date referred to by Palestinians as the "Nakba" or "Great Catastrophe" has raised concerns about a new wave of provocation and tension in the region.
Many ministers and members of parliament in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have launched a new step that could raise tensions in the region. Nine ministers and 13 MPs in Israel have made a formal request to the police to allow Israelis to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque en masse on the anniversary of the capture of occupied East Jerusalem in 1967.
CALL FROM FAR-RIGHT ORGANIZATION
In a letter published by the far-right organization "Beyadenu for the Temple Mount," which operates in Israel, it was demanded that Israelis who occupied Palestinian territories be allowed to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, May 15.
It was stated that the said date coincides with the anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem by Israel in 1967 according to the Hebrew calendar.
NETANYAHU'S MINISTERS ALSO SIGNED
The letter included the signatures of many senior figures from Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party as well as those serving in the government.
Signatories include Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli.
Additionally, three members of parliament from the far-right Religious Zionism Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, supported the call.
"NAKBA" DAY FOR PALESTINIANS
For Palestinians, May 15 holds a different meaning. The day, which signifies the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their lands during the establishment of Israel, is referred to as the "Great Disaster" or "Nakba" by the Palestinian people.
The call by individuals close to the Israeli government for a mass incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the same date has led to comments that new tensions could arise in the region.