Report: Police chief, Ben Gvir looking to oust Jerusalem District commander for opposing changes to Temple Mount status quo

Jerusalem District Police commander Amir Arzani has found himself at odds with police chief Danny Levy as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attempts to change the status quo on the Temple Mount, the Haaretz newspaper reports.

The report follows an unprecedented step taken by Ben Gvir yesterday, when he led a group of Jewish worshipers in prayer atop the flashpoint site — his latest violation of the longtime status quo on the Temple Mount.

According to Haaretz, Arzani is refusing to acquiesce to the ultranationalist minister’s moves to formally change the status quo between Israel and Jordan, which include a demand to permit public prayer and extend visiting hours for Jewish worshipers, and has turned to Levy to back him up.

But rather than supporting the Jerusalem commander’s position, Haaretz says Levy is working with Ben Gvir to push him out and replace him with someone willing to make changes in accordance with Ben Gvir’s vision.

Sources tell the news outlet that Arzani is aware of these attempts and has informed Levy that he will not agree to be transferred out of Jerusalem to another position, and plans to remain in his post until the end of 2026, at which point he expects to retire.

The report adds that Arzani is one of only a few senior police officials opposed to Ben Gvir’s attempts to allow public Jewish prayer atop Temple Mount.