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Israel Opens Daytime Access for Jewish Worship at Joseph’s Tomb for First Time in 25 Years

The shift, ordered by Defense Minister Israel Katz, extends visits into early morning under existing IDF protection.

Overview

  • New rules permit visitors to remain until 8 a.m., enabling morning prayers, rather than leaving by 4 a.m.
  • Officials say additional entry will begin at 6 a.m., with groups allowed for up to two hours.
  • Defense Ministry officials say no extra forces are needed, with the same units securing the early-morning window.
  • The agreement followed talks involving Katz, lawmakers, settlement representatives, and IDF Central Command.
  • Supporters, including the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, praised the decision, while Palestinian officials warn it could heighten tensions in the West Bank, and officials said further extensions may be considered later.