The GSS recommendation to renew Jewish visitation rights to the Temple Mount continues to be a matter of public debate. The holy site has been closed to Jews since the beginning of the Oslo War, almost a year and a half ago. The GSS explains, however, that if Jews continue to be banned from entering the holy site, it may lead to violent attempts on their part to pray at the site. Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert justifies the decision on different grounds, saying that Israel must not allow itself to give in to Arafat\'s dictates. Aryeh Amit, who served as Jerusalem District Police Commissioner, is also in favor of the plan. Meretz MK Mossi Raz, however, expressed opposition: \"I am also in favor of Jewish rights on the Mount, but the question is the timing. It could be that the GSS is right that it will not cause violence, but it could be that they are wrong - and then where will we be?\"
Prime Minister Sharon expressed support for such a move on a number of occasions over the past few months, but the Labor Party ministers are against the idea. Contrary to announcements by PA officials, the government will not consider allowing Jewish prayer at the holy site, but only Jewish presence. The subject was to be raised this morning at the weekly Cabinet meeting, but talk of the national budget, which is already almost three weeks late, took up the ministers\' time.
Today\'s Cabinet meeting also did not broach the question as to how to respond to Thursday\'s Bat-Mitzvah terrorist attack in Hadera. A 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 we will cut off all ties with you.\"
The Cabinet did approve today a proposal by Tourism Minister Benny Elon to perpetuate the memory of assassinated Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi with a one-time allocation and a yearly allotment. What will be done with the money and who will receive it? Some ministers abstained in the vote, noting their opposition to Ze\'evi\'s voluntary transfer plan.
Prime Minister Sharon expressed support for such a move on a number of occasions over the past few months, but the Labor Party ministers are against the idea. Contrary to announcements by PA officials, the government will not consider allowing Jewish prayer at the holy site, but only Jewish presence. The subject was to be raised this morning at the weekly Cabinet meeting, but talk of the national budget, which is already almost three weeks late, took up the ministers\' time.
Today\'s Cabinet meeting also did not broach the question as to how to respond to Thursday\'s Bat-Mitzvah terrorist attack in Hadera. A 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 we will cut off all ties with you.\"
The Cabinet did approve today a proposal by Tourism Minister Benny Elon to perpetuate the memory of assassinated Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi with a one-time allocation and a yearly allotment. What will be done with the money and who will receive it? Some ministers abstained in the vote, noting their opposition to Ze\'evi\'s voluntary transfer plan.