Katz vows to strengthen control over Jerusalem, including Aqsa Mosque

"Israeli" Defense Minister Israel Katz pledged on Sunday to reinforce "Israel’s" sovereignty over Jerusalem, including the Aqsa Mosque compound.

Speaking on the social media platform X, Katz said, “Israel’s detractors worldwide continue to make decisions against us and organize protests, but we will strengthen our sovereignty over Jerusalem… forever and ever”

ביקרתי כעת בכותל המערבי.
נשאתי תפילה לחזרת החטופים, לשלום היישובים, להגנה על חיילי צה"ל וכוחות הביטחון הגיבורים ולהכרעת מרצחי החמאס.
בתשעה באב, אלפיים שנה אחרי חורבן בית שני, הכותל והר הבית שוב בריבונות מדינת ישראל.
שונאי ישראל בעולם ימשיכו לקבל החלטות נגדנו ולהפגין ואנחנו נחזק… pic.twitter.com/Hz7OmVy9u3

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) August 3, 2025

The statement came after "Israeli" National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure, visited the Aqsa compound earlier the same day. During his visit, Ben-Gvir called for the “complete” occupation of Gaza and the declaration of "Israeli" sovereignty over the territory, which has been devastated by nearly two years of ongoing war.

Read more: VIDEO: Ben-Gvir leads Al-Aqsa incursion on Jewish mourning day

The Aqsa compound is managed by a Jordanian religious institution under longstanding “status quo” arrangements, allowing Jewish visitors but prohibiting Jewish prayer at the site.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions.