Israel’s defence minister said Monday that authorities would respect freedom of worship during Ramadan but were “ready” for anyone who might “try us”.
“The State of Israel respects the freedom of worship at Al-Aqsa and all holy places,” Yoav Gallant said in a video message, referring to the third-holiest site in Islam, located in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.
“The month of Ramadan may be a month of jihad, and we say to everyone not to try us — we are ready, don’t make mistakes,” he said in the clip posted on his Telegram channel.
His comments came amid concerns about tensions during Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a flashpoint for violence during the Muslim fasting month in past years.
The compound is also Judaism’s most sacred site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
