[58323] Thousands of worshippers at Joseph's Tomb: The political echelon calls for renewing permanent Jewish presence
[58323] Thousands of worshippers at Joseph's Tomb: The political echelon calls for renewing permanent Jewish presence
Thousands of Israelis entered the Joseph's Tomb complex in Nablus tonight accompanied by security forces, and public figures called for institutionalizing a permanent Jewish presence at the site.
The mass prayer at Joseph's Tomb and the call for sovereignty
Thousands of worshippers entered the city of Nablus tonight (Tuesday) as part of an organized entry to Joseph's Tomb. According to the report in Political Arena, the entry was made possible following approval granted by Minister of Defense Israel Katz, and included morning prayers at the site.
During the visit, senior political figures expressed support for changing the status quo at the complex. According to Political Arena, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich called openly: "To return a permanent Jewish presence." Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, reinforced these words and argued that "the path to victory in the war is a full return to the tomb of Joseph the Righteous."
Parallel to the political and religious activity, the event also included a personal side. In the News Arena it was reported that Member of Knesset Zvi Sukkot held a "Halakah" ceremony (first haircut) for his son at the site, with Minister Smotrich honored with cutting a lock of hair from the child.
It should be noted that both reporting channels are characterized by a distinct right-wing nationalist line, which provides sympathetic coverage of settlement activity in Judea and Samaria and the strengthening of the Israeli presence at religious sites deep within Palestinian territory.