Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Tuesday 14 Elul accepted the recommendation of the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), declaring the “Mourabitoun” and the “Mourabitat” illegal organizations, having been convinced that the step was necessary in order to defend the security of the state, the well-being of the public and public order. This refers to the Arab women who wait for Jewish visitors to come to Har Habayis and then begin shouting at them, interfering with their visit and provoking violent confrontations.

The activities of the “Mourabitoun” and the “Mourabitat” are a main factor in creating the tension and violence on Har Habayis in particular and in Jerusalem in general. They engage in inciteful and dangerous activity against tourists, visitors and worshippers at the site, which leads to violence and is liable to injure human life.

The aforesaid organizations strive to undermine Israeli sovereignty on Har Habayis, change the existing reality and arrangements at the site and infringe on freedom of worship. They are linked to – and frequently guided by – hostile Islamic organizations.

The declaration was signed after receiving the approval of Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein and means that henceforth, those who participate in, organize or finance activity of the “Mourabitoun” and the “Mourabitat” are committing a prohibited act and are subject to trial.

Defense Minister Ya’alon stated “The State of Israel allows freedom of worship to all its citizens, tourists and visitors regardless of their religion and holds this to be an important and essential basic value. However, we have no intention of allowing violent and inciteful elements to harm public order and threaten the safety of worshippers especially at a sensitive and holy site such as the Temple Mount.”

It is added that Gedolei Yisrael throughout the generations have ruled one may not visit Har Habayis. This is the ruling of Gedolei Yisrael today as well, in addition to being the position of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)