Israeli MP Calls for Al-Aqsa Destruction During Mass Settler Raid; Flag March
Summary
Israeli ministers and MPs led mass incursions into Al-Aqsa in mid-May 2026. One Knesset member explicitly called for demolition of the site and construction of a Jewish temple. 800+ Israelis entered during the morning session alone. Palestinian men under 60 and women under 50 barred from access. Old City placed under near-total lockdown for Flag March through occupied East Jerusalem.
Key Data Points
- Date: mid-May 2026 (Flag March period)
- Israeli lawmaker statement: “time to demolish the site and build a Jewish temple in its place”
- 800+ Israelis entered Al-Aqsa in single morning session
- Palestinian access restrictions: men under 60 and women under 50 barred
- Near-total lockdown of Old City; Palestinian shops forced closed, residents ordered indoors
- Temple movement: groups organizing daily incursions, openly calling for mosque destruction
- Israeli forces: searched worshippers, confiscated ID cards
Bias Assessment
Middle East Eye has a pro-Palestinian editorial tilt. Factual reporting of events broadly corroborated; quotes from Israeli officials are verifiable. Apply standard critical reading.