The Prime Minister's Office has reaffirmed that Israel's policy regarding the Temple Mount remains unchanged, after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was seen publicly praying at the site during Tisha B'Av. Ben Gvir's open prayer, the first by a government minister in such a manner, appeared to challenge the established practice that allows Jewish visits but prohibits prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, which is overseen by the Jordanian Waqf. The incident has sparked renewed debate, as Ben Gvir has previously advocated for Jewish prayer rights at the site, drawing criticism from the Arab world. Additionally, many Jewish religious leaders have traditionally discouraged visits to the compound due to religious concerns.