The Supreme Court held a hearing on Sunday on a petition requesting permission to open the Western Wall and the Temple Mount to hundreds of worshippers.
The petition followed a ruling a day earlier allowing large-scale demonstrations in Habima Square, a decision that drew criticism from religious and traditional communities, who argued it reflected unequal enforcement of freedom of assembly.
During the hearing, Court President Yitzhak Amit emphasized the need to balance competing considerations. He noted that seeing the Western Wall largely empty during the Priestly Blessing broadcast was “embarrassing,” describing the site as the spiritual center of the Jewish people. However, he also cautioned that differences between secured areas like Habima’s parking facilities and the more exposed Western Wall plaza must be taken into account.
Ben-Gvir reiterated his criticism of the earlier court decision permitting demonstrations, calling it “problematic and incorrect.” He warned against mass gatherings at demonstrations or holy sites, urging the public to act responsibly. At the same time, he argued that once protests were approved, authorities could not impose stricter limitations on access to the Western Wall and Temple Mount, saying such a distinction would unfairly discriminate against worshippers.
AFSI’s take:
This petition challenges the long-standing status quo at the Temple Mount, where Jewish prayer is highly restricted when it should never be. When other religions are not fully restricted at the Temple Mount or other sacred places of worship neither should Israelis be. We understand that safety at the Western Wall and on the Temple Mount are a valid concern during this war, but we would hope that innovative Israelis would find a way to allow at least small groups to be present at those most meaningful sites. It’s that simple.