Deputy Minister of Religious Services (Bayit Yehudi) Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan is calling on the government to take back control of Kever Yosef, located in PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied Shechem.

IDF officials reported on Thursday morning, 8 Tishrei 5774 that soldiers were attacked by terrorist gunfire during the predawn hours. It is now being reported there were mispallalim at the holy site when shots rang out. B’chasdei Hashem there were no fatalities or injuries.

Ben-Dahan stated “the violence and attacks prove we cannot rely upon PA forces for security” and he wants Israel to take control of the area. Kever Yosef was handed over to the PA as part of the Oslo Agreement with a promise the PA would guarantee free access to the tziyun for any and every Jew wishing to daven there.

“Israel must exercise her right as per the Oslo Agreement and retake control of Kever Yosef” Ben-Dahan added hours following the report of the shooting attack.

Gershon Mesika, who heads the Shomron Regional Council, echoed the deputy minister’s statement, adding “We mustn’t continue sneaking in like thieves under the cover of darkness. The time has come for Israel to retake control of Kever Yosef.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)