Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspected subterranean tunnels that run beneath the Al‑Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, according to a video posted by the leader on social media. The footage showed the prime minister accompanied by his wife, Sara, moving through the passageways that are part of the historic site’s infrastructure.
The tunnel visit occurred as a large number of Israeli settlers entered the Al‑Aqsa compound during the weekend, an action described by Middle East Eye as a raid on the holy site. The presence of the settlers coincided with the start of Selichot prayers at the Western Wall, which were held on Saturday night in anticipation of Yom Kippur, the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar.
Netanyahu’s participation in the Selichot service placed him among tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Western Wall, a location adjacent to the Al‑Aqsa Mosque. The prime minister’s appearance at the prayer service was followed by the release of the tunnel tour video, in which he highlighted the symbolic significance of the underground area.
In parallel with the prime minister’s activities, far‑right minister Itamar Ben Gvir was reported to have led a separate group of settlers in a coordinated entry into the Al‑Aqsa compound. The movement of the settlers was described as a raid, raising concerns among Palestinian authorities and international observers about the potential for heightened tensions in the city’s most sensitive religious precinct.
The events unfolded in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, a period traditionally marked by heightened religious observance for Jews worldwide. Israeli officials have not provided further comment on the security implications of the settler presence or the prime minister’s tunnel inspection. The situation remains under close monitoring as both Israeli and Palestinian communities prepare for the upcoming holy day.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/netanyahu-tours-tunnels-beneath-al-aqsa-ben-gvir-raids-jerusalem-holy.