The head of the Israeli Shin Bet security agency, Ronen Bar, engaged in a rare phone call with so-called National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to convince him to postpone his planned visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
“The aim was to avoid escalating tensions with Palestinians during the current Jewish holiday season, i24NEWS cited a report by Israeli Channel 13.
Bar emphasized that the timing was ‘inappropriate’ for such a visit, outlining the potential security consequences, the report said, adding that Ben Gvir agreed to delay his visit, “acknowledging the sanctity of the ascent but not the timing.”
The Shin Bet did not provide a comment on the report regarding Bar’s conversation with Ben Gvir, i24NEWS noted.
Ben Gvir, in a statement, confirmed his “close working relationship with the head of the Shin Bet,” noting that the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque “is routinely discussed.” He also stressed that he considers security considerations and assessments from the security establishment when determining the timing of visits.
Tensions have been escalating in Al-Quds Old City, where extremist Zionists frequently staging attacks on both Muslim and Christian worshipers.
Source: Israeli media
