Man prays at the Kotel (Western Wall)
Man prays at the Kotel (Western Wall)Uri Lenz/Flash 90

Professor Aviad Hakohen, Dean of Israeli Law College Sha'arei Mishpat, estimates that the criticism leveled by the Supreme Court regarding the failure to realize the Western Wall plan, is intended to prepare the ground for direct involvement in religious issues by the justices of the Supreme Court.

The Government decided on its own plan which would dedicate a special expanse for non-orthodox movements; but in practice, it was not realized. It would seem that for many in the government it is easier if the High Court decides, but this is very dangerous.

In his opinion, if the High Court accepts the complaint of the reform movement, they will be able to pray at the Western Wall Plaza itself. "The reform plaintiffs requested that they be allowed to pray beside the wall as is their custom, and at the moment there is a high chance that the high court will rule in their favor."

"I hope that the High Court will order the government to execute the existing plan, or present a different one, because leaving this decision to the high court is a real danger."

Just recently the President of the Supreme Court severely criticized the government regarding its failure to carry out the plan, and expressed disgust with the administration of the project.

MK Tamar Zandberg (Meretz) turned to the Prime Minister and Attorney General after the hearing in the Supreme Court and said that "is it possible that on account of political pressures, the State of Israel would abandon a large pluralistic Jewish community, just so as to not offend the haredi parties?

Both haredi and Religious Zionists are against the Reform Movement's request to hold services at the Western Wall, but accepted, albeit unwillingly,the compromise plan of setting up another area for their use.