MKs approve preliminary bill cementing Orthodox control over entire Western Wall
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Israeli lawmakers voted 56-47 in favor of a bill granting the Chief Rabbinate full control over prayer at all parts of the Western Wall, sparking strong criticism from progressive Jewish groups who called the legislation "patronizing and antisemitic."
- The bill, sponsored by far-right MK Avi Maoz, aims to override a recent High Court ruling that mandated the advancement of an egalitarian prayer plaza at the Western Wall, part of a decade-old government compromise for pluralistic worship.
- The legislation would empower the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate to define any non-Orthodox prayer at the site as "desecration," punishable by up to seven years in prison, effectively criminalizing non-Orthodox worship at the Western Wall.
