Skip to main content

Turning Point: The 1996 Western Wall Tunnel Riots

In 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu became Israel’s youngest prime minister and leader of the far right Likud party.

The new PM opened a tunnel exit under Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, infringing on the Muslim quarter and provoking riots. 70 Palestinians and 16 Israelis were killed.

In this episode of Turning Point, we look at how this move began a trend that has seen Israel’s government and society increasingly move towards openly disrespecting and ignoring the rights of Palestinians.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.