Pakistan, July 25 -- Hundreds of Israeli settlers entered Al Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday under police escort. Their national security minister was among them. Itamar Ben-Gvir prayed, sang and declared that the site belonged to Israel. For a man who controls the police force that cleared the way for this display, the distinction between a personal visit and state policy is hardly worth making.

Since 1967, non-Muslims have been permitted to visit the compound during prescribed hours, while Muslim worship has remained protected and the Jordanian Waqf has retained responsibility for its religious administration. Jewish prayer there has long been prohibited under this arrangement. Israel's own governments have repeatedly pledged to uphol...