Neeman calls to regain control of Joseph’s Tomb

While on visit with Livnat family, justice minister says Israelis should be able to visit religious landmark regularly in broad daylight.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
yaakov neeman 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
yaakov neeman 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman called for Israel to regain control of Joseph’s Tomb, located in the Palestinian city of Nablus, which is the site of the Biblical city of Shechem. At present the tomb is under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
Neeman on Tuesday visited the parents of Ben- Yosef Livnat, who was killed early Sunday morning by Palestinian policemen after he and a group of Breslav Hassidim entered Nablus without proper permits so they could pray at the tomb.
“The fate of Joseph’s Tomb is the fate of the Cave of the Patriarchs,” said Neeman, according to a press release put out by the Samaria Citizens’ Committee.
He added that Israelis should be able to visit the tomb regularly in broad daylight instead of the present situation where they are allowed to visit late at night and only once a month.
Samaria Citizens’ Committee head Benny Katzover said that the attack on the Joseph’s Tomb worshipers illustrated the dangers of relying on Palestinian security forces.
“All Palestinian policeman are potential terrorists,” he said, and added that only when people realize this will Jewish blood no longer be spilled in vain.