The 5,000 Plan: What Are the 'Temple' Groups Planning for Al-Aqsa?

SadaNews - Hundreds of settlers began storming the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque early this morning, as "Temple" organizations prepare to enforce the largest invasion of Al-Aqsa today, Thursday, in light of what is called the "Anniversary of the Destruction of the Temple."

Concerns do not stop at the numbers, as this incursion comes after a year that witnessed the performance of public Jewish prayers and rituals inside the mosque courtyards, and months ago, the Israeli police allowed the entry of a publication containing texts for Jewish prayers, after previously confiscating such materials.

The Jerusalem Governorate believes that these developments are no longer merely activities of extremist groups, but have become part of "an official Israeli policy" aimed at imposing new realities and undermining the historical and legal status of the mosque.

What is the 5,000 Plan?

"Temple" groups are mobilizing to execute the incursion today, July 23, targeting to surpass the registered number during the same occasion last year, which amounted to about 4,000 intruders in one day.

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, these groups have been working since 2021 to gradually increase the numbers, as the number of intruders rose from about 2,200 in 2022 and 2023, to 3,000 in 2024, then to about 4,000 in 2025, before the goal this year became reaching 5,000.

This number does not represent just a numerical increase; it reflects an attempt to expand the presence of settlers inside the mosque, pressure to increase the size of groups and the times of entry, and allow for more rituals in its courtyards.

What is the "Ninth of Av" and Why Does It Come in July?

The event is known by Jews as the "Ninth of Av", referring to the ninth day of the month of Av in the Hebrew calendar, not to the month of August in the Gregorian calendar.

This year, it starts on the evening of Wednesday, July 22, and ends on the evening of Thursday, July 23, during which Jews commemorate the destruction of the two temples, according to the Jewish narrative.

In recent years, this occasion has transformed into one of the most prominent seasons for invading Al-Aqsa, as during this time "Temple" groups rally their supporters to enter in large numbers and perform rituals and prayers within its courtyards.