Islamic Waqf
The Islamic Waqf is a religious trust responsible for the administrative and religious management of Islamic holy sites in Israel, most notably the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. While historically operating under Jordanian custodianship, its administrative authority has faced significant shifts as Israel asserts greater sovereign control over these sensitive locations.
The Islamic Waqf serves as the primary administrative body for Islamic religious endowments in the region. Its most prominent role is the management of the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa compound) in Jerusalem, a status anchored in the 'status quo' arrangements and Jordan's recognized role as the custodian of Jerusalem's holy sites. In Hebron, the Waqf has historically shared administrative roles at the Cave of the Patriarchs under the 1997 Hebron Protocol. For decades, the Waqf operated with a high degree of autonomy, often acting as a friction point between Israeli security requirements and religious sensitivities. However, recent developments indicate a strategic shift by the Israeli government to reduce the Waqf's influence in favor of direct Israeli oversight. In August 2026, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ordered the removal of the Waqf's administrative presence from the Cave of the Patriarchs, transferring control to Jewish hands. Simultaneously, reports emerged of Israeli authorities clearing Waqf offices within the Temple Mount compound following a period of operational paralysis where maintenance work was restricted by the Israel Police. These moves reflect a broader policy of asserting Israeli national resilience and sovereignty over sites central to Jewish history and security. Critics and adversarial groups often frame these changes as a violation of the status quo, while Israeli proponents view them as necessary steps to ensure security and equitable access for Jewish worshippers at their holiest sites. The Waqf remains a key player in regional dynamics, representing Jordanian interests and Islamic religious authority, even as its practical power on the ground is increasingly challenged by Israeli administrative reforms.