Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday evening that Israel will not impose significant security restrictions during the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan, despite the ongoing war with Hamas and Hezbollah and concerns over elevated tensions in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Tuesday evening, Netanyahu emphasized religious freedom, vowing that the Temple Mount will remain open to worshippers, without major restrictions.

During a meeting with top security brass, Netanyahu said no significant limits would be placed during the first week of Ramadan, with security officials assessing the situation after the first week to determine whether additional restrictions were needed.

“Israel’s policy has always been, and always will be, to safeguard freedom of worship for all faiths. This is what we have also done during Ramadan and this is what we will do now.”

“We will do everything to safeguard freedom of worship on the Temple Mount while appropriately taking into account security and safety needs, and will enable the Muslim public to mark the holiday.”

The decision marks a reversal of Netanyahu’s plan last month to adopt limits on visitation to the Temple Mount proposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In addition to a ban on visits by Palestinian Arabs, Ben-Gvir had also called for major restrictions on Arab-Israelis on the Temple Mount.

Image - Jamal Awad/Flash90