Head of the Temple Institute Rabbi Yisrael Ariel Shlita visited Har Habayis and made a bracha for the miracle that occurred at the site. Accompanying the rav was the Rav of the Young Israel of the so-called Muslim Quarter, Rabbi Nachman Kahana Shlita.

Rav Ariel was among the paratroopers who liberated Har Habayis in the Six Day War in June 1967 and regularly visits the holy site, at least once monthly. He usually finds a corner to hide and he prostrates himself totally out of sight from Muslim observers and Waqf Authority officials. His was apprehended about a half year ago and banned from returning in response. The ban was lifted and he returned and recited the bracha in keeping with his minhag.

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

Five years ago on Sukkos, President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukka of Maran HaGaon 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)