According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday amid heightened tensions surrounding the annual Jerusalem Day flag march, as clashes and multiple arrests were reported across the city.
During the visit, Ben-Gvir declared that the Temple Mount was “in our hands,” stating that Israeli sovereignty at the site had been strengthened through what he described as “determination and deterrence.” His remarks came as security forces increased deployments across Jerusalem ahead of the controversial nationalist procession.
The Israel Police also announced the arrest of a suspect accused of planning a terror attack during the Jerusalem Day events. According to authorities, the individual was located at a carwash following intelligence received regarding an alleged planned attack. The suspect was detained and transferred to the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, for further interrogation.
Earlier in the day, confrontations broke out in the Old City involving activists, youths, and residents as tensions escalated ahead of the march. In one incident, groups of young participants reportedly clashed with local residents and left-wing activists affiliated with the Standing Together movement. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show chairs being thrown during the altercation.
Standing Together stated that its members had entered the Old City as part of what it described as a “solidarity guard” aimed at protecting Palestinian residents from possible violence during the march. The group alleged that extremist settlers posed a threat to local Arab communities during the event.
Police later escorted several activists out of the Old City while continuing crowd-control operations throughout the area.