Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has authorized illegal settlers to sing and dance freely during their visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli media reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jewish visitors were allowed to sing and dance openly across the sacred site for the first time in years. This change aligns with a new policy introduced by Ben-Gvir, a settler himself and leader of the far-right Jewish Power Party, who oversees Israel's police force.

This decision marks a significant departure from previous regulations governing the flashpoint site. Israeli police have now been instructed to permit Jewish prayer and song throughout the compound, with Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai reportedly communicating these orders to law enforcement officers.

Three weeks ago, Ben-Gvir met with leaders of groups advocating for Jewish access to the Al-Aqsa compound. During this meeting, participants proposed expanding allowances for Jewish religious practices, including group singing in non-restricted areas. Ben-Gvir was quoted as saying, "My policy is to allow singing throughout the compound."

There has been no official confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding the report. Since Ben-Gvir took office in late 2022, settler violations at the Al-Aqsa complex have increased, according to the Jerusalem Islamic Endowment Department, which manages the mosque's religious and administrative affairs.

The new policy contradicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public assertions that the 'status quo' at Al-Aqsa remains unchanged. Since 2003, Israel has allowed illegal settlers into the Al-Aqsa complex almost daily, except on Fridays and Saturdays.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times. Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and annexed the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community.