The Knesset Internal Affairs & Environment Committee met on Sunday, 5 Elul 5773 to discuss police preparedness for the anticipated large numbers of Jewish visitors to Har Habayis in Tishrei 5774.

Committee Chairwoman MK (Likud) Miri Regev feels police must be ready to accommodate many non-Muslim visitors. The committee also discussed the police decision to close Har Habayis to non-Muslims during Ramadan.

Har Habayis activists Yehuda Glick told the committee that on days during Ramadan when they were permitted onto the holy site they encountered Islamic hostility and provocations. He explained that Har Habayis was closed to Jews for 21 days of Ramadan.

Senior Ministry of Religious Affairs official Moshe Dagan explained his ministry is responsible for preparing for the expected visitors and assuring the visits are permitted and void of difficulties.

MK (Hadash) Dov Khenin insisted the status quo established in the 15th Century must be maintained – namely Jews daven at the Kosel and Muslims on Har Habayis. He warned that any change in this existing reality may lead to harsh realities including compromising ongoing efforts at a renewed dialogue between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority).

David Region Police Commander Moshe Barkat reported police during this Ramadan did not act differently than in previous years, adding the days of Ramadan are “sensitive ones” and he feels that police acted appropriately towards avoiding confrontation and maintaining law and order.

Regev voiced her anger over the fact that representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office absented themselves from the meeting. She also called on police to adequately prepare towards accommodating the large number of Jews who will visit the holy site during Tishrei.

It must be noted that according to the Poskei Hador one is absolutely forbidden to visit the Temple Mount, and there is an Issur Kares for one that goes there.

Four years ago on Sukkos, Israeli President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukkah of Maran Hagon Rav Elyashiv ZATZAL, where Rav Elyashiv called on the President to prevent Jews from visiting Har HaBayis, stating it is an act that that is viewed as extremely provocative by the goyim. Maran stated everything possible must be done to avoid a religious war, and the provocateurs are playing with fire.

Maran is quoted as explaining to the president that Halacha forbids going onto Har HaBayis but today, it is more than this, it is an act that may lead to a religious war and bloodshed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)