Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein has announced the ban on MKs and cabinet ministers visiting Har Habayis has been lifted, as per the decision earlier this week by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, to permit MKs and cabinet ministers to visit Har Habayis, albeit, with limitations.

As per Edelstein’s letter, the regulations governing a visit include:

1. The Knesset security officer must be informed of the day/time of visit at 24 hours in advance.
2. Knesset Guard officials will arrange the visit with Israel Police.
3. The visit will have to be approved by Police Chief Roni Alshich or the Jerusalem police commander.
4. Visits will be subjected to the same regulations for all non-Muslim visitors.
5. Jewish MKs will enter via the Mughrabi Gate, only during regular visiting hours.
6. Arab MKs will enter via Shar Shvatim, beginning a half hour following visitation time for Jews.
7. Speeches, media interviews, and meetings with Waqf officials will not be permitted during visits.
8. No one armed may accompany visit by MK. Security remains in the exclusive hands of Israel Police.

YWN NOTES: Gedolei Yisrael over the generations and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel prohibit visiting Har Habayis, which they explain carries the punishment of karess.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)