In a rare show of unity, most Israeli coalition MKs and government ministers signed a declaration on Wednesday demanding the immediate restoration of Jewish presence at Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem (Nablus), 25 years after Israel withdrew from the site.

Signatories called the tomb a national and historical asset, citing the Oslo Accords to justify a permanent return. The move comes ahead of a high-level Knesset session, where the Israel Defense Forces is expected to present an operational plan for reestablishing a Jewish presence.

“The absolute and significant alignment of all coalition members, and especially the government ministers, is true history. Tomorrow, the practical plan to restore the Jewish presence to Joseph’s Tomb will be presented, and I commit to doing all I can to see this correction realized with full cabinet and government backing,” said MK Zvi Succot of the Religious Zionism party.

Sukkot, who chairs the Knesset’s subcommittee for Judea and Samaria Affairs, convened a security discussion on the issue in June. During that session, a representative from Central Command said that within six weeks, the IDF would submit a practical proposal on how to return to the site.

The tomb is the burial site of Joseph, the son of the Biblical Patriarch Jacob.

Such a move, however, could potentially trigger an international backlash.

“The people demand a historical correction. After 25 years of abandonment, we are closer than ever to restoring sovereignty to Joseph’s Tomb. This is a moment of truth, the Israeli government must fulfill its promise and implement the plan now. This is not only a right, it is a national duty,” Yossi Dagan, chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, said.

Shechem is located in Area A under the administrative and security jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority. However, the Oslo Accords, allowed Israeli forces to remain at the holy site. In 2000, Israel abandoned the grave after a Palestinian mob stormed the compound. A Border Policeman who was shot bled to death when security forces were unable to rescue him. Rioters burnt down the site again in 2015. The tomb has been desecrated and refurbished several times, most recently in 2022.

Since then, Jewish access to the grave is only allowed in coordination with the military and under heavy guard. Once a month, Jews are allowed to visit the holy site to pray under heavy army escort. The visits always take place at night for security reasons.

PHOTO:  Use according to Section 27 A