Israeli police have begun recruiting religious Jews and far-right activists to serve at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as part of efforts to strengthen Israeli control over the flashpoint site, according to a report by Haaretz.
The Israeli newspaper reported on Wednesday that police were seeking to enlist religious Jews for duty at the compound and were working with far-right activists who encourage Jewish visits to the site.
According to the report, Daniel Lerach, deputy commander of the police unit responsible for the Al-Aqsa compound, circulated recruitment messages on social media and WhatsApp groups, including forums linked to far-right organizations and Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Haaretz said the number of Jewish visitors to the compound has increased significantly, while Israeli police have added an extra hour to the permitted visiting period.
Citing police sources, the newspaper also reported that district commanders remain in regular contact with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his wife, Ayala.
The report described the recruitment of religious Jews and activists involved in visits to the site as another step in a broader shift in Israeli policy at the compound.
The Jerusalem Governorate, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, condemned the move on Thursday, calling it a dangerous development that reflects Israeli efforts to alter the identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In a statement, the governorate said the concern was not only the recruitment campaign itself, but what it revealed about attempts to transfer effective authority over Al-Aqsa from the Islamic Waqf to Israeli police and state bodies.
It said the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department, which is affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites, remains the sole body authorized to administer and supervise the mosque under the existing status quo arrangements.
The governorate accused Israeli authorities of working systematically to undermine the Waqf’s role and expand control over access to the compound, its staff and its daily administration.
Since 2003, Israeli police have allowed Jewish visitors into the compound during set morning and afternoon periods, except on Fridays and Saturdays, despite objections from Palestinians and the Waqf.
Palestinians say Israel is intensifying efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, and erase the city’s Arab and Islamic identity.
East Jerusalem is regarded by Palestinians as the capital of their future state. International resolutions do not recognize Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967 or its annexation in 1980.