Addressing an assembly on Jewish rights and Har Habayis, Rabbi Yaakov Medan told participants that he had a discussion with leading officials in the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) who told him “If Jews do not visit the Mount; we will lose control over Har Habayis.”

The event was held in the Begin Heritage Center in Yerushalayim and Rav Medan, a rosh yeshiva in Yeshivat Har Etzion told the audience of pro-Har Habayis rabbonim and others that it is important for Jews to visit the holy site in line with Halachic limitations. Among the rabbonim present were Rabbi David Stav and Rabbi Dr. Yuval Sherlow.

Rav Medan stated the head of the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and the head of the Jewish Unit met with him and warned that if Jews do not visit the holy site Jewish control will be lost. The rav added this occurred two months ago. “If senior ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials say so who am I to argue,” the rav added. Arabs defecate and play ball on the holy area and this is the result of the nation’s leaders being ill informed.”

Rav Medan added “I am willing to reach an agreement with the Women of the Wall if they would come with me to Har Habayis. However, I am not ready for building a Beis Mikdosh for if they do, the election for a Kohen Gadol will be like the election for chief rabbis.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Dalia Dorner adds the court does not have authority to rule regarding Har Habayis. She adds that from her understanding of the issues, Jews should not be prohibited from praying on Har Habayis either.

Rav Stav expressed his opposition to visiting Har Habayis, adding the jurisdiction to set regulations is the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Therefore, he feels the question must be posed to the Chief Rabbinate and not politicians or others.

NOTE: Israel Radio added that in an interview with Rav Medan following his address at the kenos, he stated “if I knew the media was present I would not have made my remarks regarding the words of the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet).”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)