On Friday 24 October, British far-right Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) attempted to enter Masjid Al-Aqsa. Video and news reports show him trying to gain access by posing as a Muslim and being blocked from entering. He subsequently toured parts of the site with Israelis.

In footage from the visit, he and a companion advanced a stark, threatening narrative, claiming that “jihadist” groups seek to take over countries and that holy sites of other faiths will be destroyed or seized. They also suggested that Britain has already experienced the “takeover” of churches.

Those statements delivered with the Musalla Qibli within the Al-Aqsa compound visible behind them, amount to a chilling call to action and a direct intimidation of Muslim worshippers.

Robinson’s conduct in Jerusalem must be seen in context. Israeli extremist politicians and settler groups have repeatedly stormed and trespassed into Al-Aqsa, often under police protection. Robinson’s visit and rhetoric implicitly support these extremist violations.

His trip was organised at the invitation of an Israeli government minister. He is clearly an asset for Israel and has announced he will attend the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Aston Villa football fixture.

There is nothing here about championing Britishness or British patriotism. What Yaxley shows is far-right groups uniting around one point: hatred of Muslims.

This support for Israel is not benign. It is Islamophobia mobilised across borders. Rhetoric that threatens religious sites, stokes fear in Muslim communities, and increases the risk of violence. The events of 24 October should be treated as a serious provocation requiring immediate political and security attention.

Muslims also need to be aware that support for the destruction of Masjid Al-Aqsa is growing among the European far right.