ISTANBUL

Israel installed a new police commander in occupied East Jerusalem, six weeks ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in a move seen as aiming to advance plans by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque, local media reported Monday.

Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled was sworn in as commander of the Jerusalem District Police, replacing Maj. Gen. Amir Arzani.

Previously serving as deputy police commissioner, Peled is now responsible for security at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, Haaretz daily said.

His predecessor, Arzani, was forced by Ben-Gvir to leave office over disagreements related to the flashpoint site, the newspaper said.

According to Haaretz, Arzani had “refused to allow far-reaching changes at the site” upon Ben-Gvir’s orders.

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is expected to start next month.

This year, “it seems Ben-Gvir is doing everything he can to fan the flames,” Haaretz commented.

At the change-of-command ceremony, Ben-Gvir said the Jerusalem District commander’s position is among the “most complex, sensitive and influential” in Israeli security.

He said changes had begun at the Al-Aqsa compound, “the most important place for the Jewish people,” voicing confidence that Peled “would lead this district securely, with judgment and determination.”

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, believing it was the location of two ancient Jewish temples.

“The importance of command of the Jerusalem District obligates me and the district’s police officers to preserve the sovereignty and governability in a resolute and uncompromising manner, to strengthen the deterrence in the face of criminals and increase the security and feeling of safety of Jerusalem’s residents and those who enter its gates,” Peled said.

Since 2003, Israeli authorities have allowed illegal settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque nearly every day.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and unilaterally annexed the city in 1980, a move not recognized by the international community.