Clearly the stage is being set for renewed Islamic violence surrounding Har Habayis during Pesach.

Arab MK Jamal Zahalka is calling to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent Jews from visiting Har Habayis during Pesach. The Arab Bloc opposition MK was interviewed via the internet by Dunya el-Watan, Walla News reports, and he calls on terrorist organizations to take the necessary steps to prevent the continued increase of Jews on the holy site. He explains “during the Second Intifada we sacrificed over 400 shaheedim for al-Aqsa and the continue increase in the number of Jews visiting Har Habayis will result in the current intifada to erupt”.

He also spoke of the “hidden war” being waged by Israel in Silwan (near the Kosel) to oust Arab residents from the area. “The occupational forces destroyed tens of homes and businesses in Silwan as part of the effort to destroy the entire community and turn it into a national part under the claim of a Jewish historical connection” Zahalka added.

The Arab MK’s remarks follow calls to violence from the PA (Palestinian Authority) appointed mufti and the Fatah Tanzim leader in Jerusalem.

In addition, Har Habayis activist Rabbi Yehuda Glick released a call to Am Yisrael to come and visit Har Habayis in accordance to the law over Pesach.

It must be noted: According to the Poskei Hador one is absolutely forbidden to visit Har Habayis, and there is an Isur Karess for one that goes there.

A number of years ago, President Shimon Peres paid a visit to the Sukkah 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.

This is and remains the view of poskei hador. This is also the view of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Among the rabbonim who share this view are HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Halevy Wosner ZATZAL, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)