Interior Minister Aryeh Deri has instructed officials to prepare to fund transportation for Muslims traveling to Har Habayis during Ramadan, an unprecedented move according to the Reshet Bet Radio report.

For the first time since the creation of the state, Muslim worshipers will be able to take advantage of free bus service to Har Habayis from the Negev in the south and the Galil in the north. Deri explains he feels compelled to take steps that will promote peace between Jews and Muslims. Reshet Bet adds that next month another contingent of Muslims will be bused at the state’s expense to Har Habayis as well.

The report adds the minister took part in a post Ramadan fair in the Israeli Arab municipality of Arrarah. It was learned that the event was hosted in a building that lacks operating permits. Ministry officials responded to Reshet Bet, explaining the minister was not aware the hall did not have an operating permit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)