Netanyahu and MbZ may pray together at Al-Aqsa, Israeli media suggests

In a piece entitled: “Is it time to ‘normalize’ Temple Mount?”, published on Sunday in the Jerusalem Post, Israeli commentator Nave Dromi argued that the time is nigh to allow Jews and Muslims to pray at Temple Mount, known by Muslims as the Al-Aqsa compound, together.

“When the delegation from the UAE arrives in Israel on September 22, perhaps Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can invite its most senior member to join him for a visit on the Temple Mount, and both can pray for the success of peace, prosperity and stability in the region, each according to their own religion,” the article reads.

The officials within the UAE delegation are yet to be named, however speculation has been building that the UAE’s leader Mohammed bin Zayed will take part in the trip.

Dromi referenced comments by Ali Rashid al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the UAE’s Federal National Council, who mentioned recently that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed intended to visit Jerusalem in person in order to achieve “comprehensive peace”.

Jewish worshippers are not currently allowed into the Al-Aqsa compound, but groups of settlers regularly storm the site under protection of Israeli forces.

However, a clause of the UAE-Israel agreement changes the sensitive status of Al-Aqsa compound and may have “people of all faiths” praying there.

“After thousands of years, Jews and Muslims will no longer see each other as opponents, rivals or enemies, but as long-lost cousins who come together in fraternal embrace in the place made famous by their mutual ancestor,” the article read.

Dromi added that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should join this hypothetical joint prayer in order to “truly usher in an era of peace and equality”. However given the Palestinian Authority’s vocal opposition to the normalisation deal, this is a far-fetched proposal.

However the recent announcement of a three-week coronavirus lockdown in Israel to combat surging infection rates has cast doubt on whether the UAE delegation will be able to go ahead with their visit.