MKs are being permitted a visit to Har Habayis, on 7 Elul, as reported by YWN-ISRAEL. The move was decided upon to test the response, to permit police to determine if MKs may once again visit the holy site regularly.

Speaking with Yated Neeman, Gafne explains that he wrote to MK Yehuda Glick, who used to visit Har Habayis regularly, informing him of the halachic prohibition specifically because this is the holiest location to the Jewish People, all the more reason to refrain from visiting. Gafne adds that visits to the site are viewed as provocations that lead to violence and therefore, “I strongly oppose the unfortunate decision and protest against it.” He adds “This signifies stupidity, nationalism, ignorance, irresponsibility of the first degree and primarily, the lack of Yiras Shomayim”.

The visits to Har Habayis were stopped in November 2015 after it was determined the presence of MKs was a provocation. A few weeks ago, after the situation on Har Habayis calmed down, Jerusalem Police Chief Yoram Halevy suggested to Police Chief Roni Alsheich to renew visits by MKs and Tuesday’s one-day event will be a test to determine if regular visits by elected officials is doable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)