In Historic Decision, Mearas Ha'Machpela To Return To Jewish Jurisdiction

 In a historic move a major change to the long-standing status quo at Mearas Hamachpela (Cave of the Patriarchs) has been approved. The authority over the site has been transferred from the Palestinian Hebron Municipality to the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Religious Council, under the direction of the Civil Administration. The goal is to advance structural changes at the compound, according to a Yisrael Hayom report.

This is the first time that such significant changes will be made to the Cave of the Patriarchs since the Shamgar Committee’s decisions in 1994.

The Civil Administration has long sought to implement substantial improvements at the site, including re-roofing the compound and constructing a permanent roof over the “Yaakov Courtyard”, where Jews pray about 90% of the year. For many years, due to the division of the site between Jews and Muslims, Israeli worshipers had to pray exposed to the sun and rain—and even today, they are only partially sheltered under a makeshift roof.

These are not the only planned changes. The administration also seeks to install a modern fire extinguisher system, which the Palestinians strongly oppose, despite the clear safety risk. Until now, for example, in emergency situations, Israeli personnel had to obtain keys for the security camera system from the Muslim Waqf, which controlled the site.

In a dramatic meeting on Monday, led by the Defense Minister, and following a thorough internal review by the Civil Administration, a legal barrier that had prevented the transfer of authority from the Hebron Municipality and the Waqf was removed. As a result, it was decided to grant control to the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Religious Council. This marks the first time that authority over the site has been transferred from the Hebron Municipality and the Civil Administration to a Jewish religious body.

“The Cave of the Patriarchs is registered with the Jewish people’s title deed already in the book of Breishit’,” said Shai Glick, CEO of the “B’Tsalmo” human rights organization, which has long worked on the issue.

“For many years, due to a tragic decision by Moshe Dayan, the site was under the Waqf and only military control. I welcome this important move of transferring the Cave to a religious council—just like any other sacred burial site in Israel. After the site was made accessible, it is now time for it to be dignified—with a proper roof, air conditioning, restrooms, and more. It’s time for sovereignty.”

Changes are already being implemented on the ground. On Sunday, restroom facilities within the Cave of the Patriarchs compound were opened to the public, at the base of the structure. This was a basic request made by residents for years, but Palestinians opposed it outright, objecting to any modification of the area. Now, the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year can use restrooms without needing to walk far or descend to the edge of the large plaza.

A Civil Administration spokesperson’s responded that:

“In accordance with instructions and approval from the authorized political echelon, a staff review is currently underway. The plan is in advanced stages, with the goal of providing shade over the Cave of the Patriarchs courtyard for the benefit of all worshippers at the site.”