Hundreds of Israelis pray next to mosque in Palestinian village

The city of Halhul, which neighbors Hebron, is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Joshua as one of the cities in the area.

By ILANIT CHERNICK
Worshipers pray outside the tombs of the Davidic prophets Natan and Gad. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)
Worshipers pray outside the tombs of the Davidic prophets Natan and Gad.
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)
Several hundred worshipers made their way to the graves of Natan the Prophet and Gad the Seer. Both were biblical prophets who were believed to have guided and advised King David. 
The two graves are located inside the Palestinian village of Halhul, which falls under the Etzion regional brigade, in the West Bank.
The city of Halhul, which neighbors Hebron, is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Joshua as one of the cities in the area. Historically it had a fairly large Jewish community during the Second Temple period.
The IDF and Border Police escorted worshipers to the tombs of the prophets Natan and Gad in the Palestinian village of Halhul. (IDF Spokesman's Unit)
The IDF and Border Police escorted worshipers to the tombs of the prophets Natan and Gad in the Palestinian village of Halhul. (IDF Spokesman's Unit)
In a statement, the IDF said that its members, together with Israel Border Police forces, secured the area for the worshipers, as well as escorted them in and out safely.
Prayers at the site were held without any problems or interruptions. The graves are located inside a mosque and as a result worshipers chose to pray outside, on the road next to where the tombs are located.
November 2017 saw, for the first time in 18 years, hundreds of Jews being allowed to pray at the site, which is controlled by the Palestinian Authority.