In a historic decision, Israel has taken administrative control of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, according to the Israel Hayom newspaper
The site, which was under the management of Hebron’s Muslim religious authority, known as the Waqf, even after Israel captured the city in the Six-Day War in 1967, will now be administered by the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Religious Council.
The change will allow for important renovations that have been needed for years.
The Cave of the Patriarchs, known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque, is a sacred site for both Jews and Muslims.
According to tradition, Abraham, the patriarch of both peoples, is buried there, along with other ancestors of the Jewish people and, it is believed, Adam and Eve.
King Herod built a large building on the site almost 2,000 years ago, making it the second holiest site in Judaism.
In recent years, the Waqf has resisted any changes to the site, including improvements such as wheelchair access and the installation of restrooms.
Muslim administration was formalized in the 1995 Wye Accords, which gave the Palestinian Authority control over much of Hebron.
The planned renovations include the construction of a permanent roof over “Jacob’s Courtyard,” the only open space where Jews can pray, since, except on 10 specific days of the year, they are barred from the interior area, used as a mosque, where the tombs of Isaac and Rebecca are located.
A modern fire safety system is also planned.
Even before the official transfer on July 6th, restrooms were opened at the site, an urgent need, especially during Jewish holidays, when hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Cave.
By 2023, after decades of legal and political disputes, an external elevator and a ramp had been built to make the site accessible to people with disabilities.
Shai Glick, president of the human rights organization Betzalmo, which has fought in court for access for people with disabilities, celebrated the change.
“The Cave of the Patriarchs is described in the Book of Genesis as belonging to the Jewish people.
This decision restores dignity and sovereignty.
After making it accessible, it is now time to properly cover it, install air conditioning, restrooms, and other improvements,” he stated.
On the other hand, the left-wing group Peace Now criticized the decision, claiming it creates a “serious security risk.” According to the group, “any unilateral change is seen by millions of Muslims as a humiliation and an attack on a sacred place.” They warned that historical conflicts, often violent, have been triggered by actions perceived as attacks on holy sites.
The transfer of control marks a significant moment, but it also reignites tensions around one of the most important and contested sites in Judaism and Islam.
Published in 07/24/2025 01h41
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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