A Dahaf Institute poll indicated that most Israelis are not willing to relinquish control of the Cave of the Patriarchs - known in Hebrew as Maarat HaMachpelach -- in Hevron. 25% of respondents said that they would be willing to turn over the cave to the Palestinian Authority in a possible future negotiation. 20% said they would be willing to relinquish Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. 59% support the Education Minister's new decision to send students to visit the Cave of the Patriarchs. 37% opposed such school visits.
The Cave of the Patriarchs is the ancient burial site of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is located in the Jewish Quarter of Hevron which is controlled by Israel. The rest of the city of Hevron is controlled by the Palestinian Authority.