Israeli police have launched a program to recruit religious Jews and far-right activists for service at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to an Israeli media report, in a move seen as an effort to tighten the Israeli grip over the holy site in occupied East Jerusalem.
The Haaretz newspaper reported on Wednesday that Israeli police are recruiting religious Jews to work at the compound and are cooperating with far-right activists who encourage Jewish visits to the site in an effort to enlist officers from among their ranks.
According to the report, Daniel Lerach, deputy commander of the police unit responsible for the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, circulated recruitment calls on social media and WhatsApp groups, including forums linked to far-right organizations and Israeli occupiers in the occupied West Bank.
"The number of Jewish visitors to the compound has increased significantly and the Israel Police has added an extra hour to visiting times,” the newspaper reported.
Citing police sources, the newspaper reported that district commanders maintain regular contact with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his wife, Ayala.
