In a dramatic and unprecedented decision, Israel has changed the longstanding status quo at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.
Authority over the site has been transferred from the Palestinian-controlled Hebron Municipality to the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Religious Council by the Civil Administration, in order to advance long-delayed structural upgrades.
This is the first major change at the site since the 1994 Shamgar Commission decisions. Among the planned renovations are a new permanent roof over the “Jacob Courtyard,” where Jews pray most of the year, as well as the installation of a modern fire suppression system—measures that have long been stalled due to Palestinian opposition.
Until now, Jews have prayed under sun and rain, or beneath a flimsy temporary covering. In emergencies, Israeli personnel even had to request the security camera keys from the Islamic Waqf that administered the site.