Inside Story
Can Netanyahu change Al Aqsa’s status quo?
Only Muslims are allowed to pray inside the mosque, but right-wing Jewish groups want the law changed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government plans to broaden the mandate of Israel’s army following three days of fighting with Palestinian protesters in and around Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque compound.
Netanyahu said significant fines would be imposed on stone-throwing minors, as well as on their parents.
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On Sunday, Israeli security forces stormed the mosque, injuring many Palestinian worshippers.
Al Aqsa has been a flashpoint for years with many warning that the violence could escalate.
As it stands only Muslims can pray inside the Al Aqsa mosque but right-wing Jewish groups want that law changed so they too can pray at the site. Jews currently pray at the nearby Western Wall.
Could Israel change a law that has been in palce since 1967?
Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault
Guests:
Akiva Eldar – Senior Columnist at Al-Monitor.com, an online news website focussing on the Middle East
Ali Abunimah – co-founder of Electronic Intifada and author of the book One Country: a bold proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian impasse
Matthew Duss – president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace