Inside Story

Is Israel maintaining the status quo at al-Aqsa Mosque?

Israel’s government stands accused of funding groups who want change.  

Israeli government leaders have repeatedly said they do not want changes at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
 
But the government is also accused of funding groups advocating major changes to who can pray at the sacred and sensitive site in Jerusalem.
 
That is provoking more tension with security forces violently cracking down on Palestinian worshippers.
 
It is also causing discontent in the occupied territories where Palestinians are unhappy with Israel’s action and their own leadership.
 
So, is all this a recipe for more turmoil?
 
Presenter: Laura Kyle
 
Guests:
 
Ali Abu-nimah – co-Founder of Electronic Intifada
 
Gregg Roman – director of the Middle East Forum and former Ministry of Defence official in Israel
 
Ian Black – Middle East editor for the Guardian