Unusual Partners: Shas and Yesh Atid Promote Law Prohibiting Ascent to the Har Habayis

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and Shas Party Chairman Aryeh Deri have engaged in dialogue for the first time in a decade. Their discussions center around advancing a proposed law that would enforce the halachic rulings of leading poskim from recent generations, which unequivocally prohibit Jews from ascending the Har Habayis.

Channel 12 News reports that thuis unusual alliance appears to have emerged from the growing tensions between Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the chareidi parties, particularly after Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the Har Habayis.

During their conversation, Deri expressed his willingness to back the Yesh Atid-sponsored bill, although the bill is expected to be formally introduced only after the Knesset reconvenes following the recess.

In response to this announcement, Likud MK Amit Halevi stated: “Even a united vote by Knesset members from both Shas and Yesh Atid will not transform this significant mitzvah into a prohibition. No rabbi, including Rav Ovadia Yosef, believes that those who ascend to the areas constructed by Herod on the Har Habayis and pray there are violating any prohibition. Consequently, he also allowed individuals to ascend in accordance with Jewish law.”

Halevi further remarked, “The only outcome of such a partnership would be a victory for the enemies of God, who are also the enemies of Israel and humanity. Given the current situation, where the most sacred site for Jews has been seized and turned into the center of a religion that advocates murder and barbarism in the name of God, it is crucial to ascend the mountain and restore it to its rightful owners. This will enable it to once again serve as a divine beacon and a source of blessing and world peace. I urge the Shas Knesset members to join those who ascend the Har Habayis in accordance with Jewish law, rather than align with Yesh Atid Knesset members in a vote that contradicts the core principles of Jewish tradition.”

{Matzav.com Israel}