The Cabinet meeting this morning centers on the GSS recommendation to renew Jewish visitation rights to the Temple Mount. The holy site has been closed to Jews since the beginning of the Oslo War, almost a year and a half ago. Contrary to announcements by PA officials, the government is not considering allowing Jewish prayer at the holy site, but only Jewish presence.
The GSS explains that if Jews are continued to be banned from entering the site, it may lead to violent attempts to do so. Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert and others, however, justify the decision otherwise, in that Israel must not allow itself to give in to Arafat\'s dictates. Prime Minister Sharon expressed support for such a move on a number of occasions over the past few months. The Labor Party ministers are against the idea.
The ministers are also discussing the response to Thursday\'s Bat-Mitzvah terrorist attack in Hadera, but a more comprehensive meeting on the matter of Israel\'s relationship with the Palestinian Authority will be held on Wednesday. Under consideration will be an ultimatum to Arafat: \"Cut off all ties with Iran, or else we will cut off all ties with you.\"
The GSS explains that if Jews are continued to be banned from entering the site, it may lead to violent attempts to do so. Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert and others, however, justify the decision otherwise, in that Israel must not allow itself to give in to Arafat\'s dictates. Prime Minister Sharon expressed support for such a move on a number of occasions over the past few months. The Labor Party ministers are against the idea.
The ministers are also discussing the response to Thursday\'s Bat-Mitzvah terrorist attack in Hadera, but a more comprehensive meeting on the matter of Israel\'s relationship with the Palestinian Authority will be held on Wednesday. Under consideration will be an ultimatum to Arafat: \"Cut off all ties with Iran, or else we will cut off all ties with you.\"