Israel’s High Court is deliberating a petition submitted by the nongovernmental organization Emek Shaveh against the construction of an elevator at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The group — which focuses on archaeological issues that arise in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — says the project detracts from the character of the historic site and damages its ancient structure. The group also says the initiative is purely political, with the sole goal of pleasing West Bank settlers.

The project came into the public eye in May, shortly before the swearing-in of the new Netanyahu-Gantz government. As one of his last actions in the position of defense minister, Naftali Bennett approved a $1.4 million project, including an elevator, a path to reach the Tomb of the Patriarchs entrance from the parking area and a bridge connecting the elevator to the entrance. Bennett — who heads the pro-settler Yamina party — instructed then-Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Kamil Abu Rukon to take all necessary action, including expropriating land near the site, to advance the elevator project.

“We have greenlighted the elevator project to end the many years of discrimination at the site. Every person, irrespective of whether or not they are disabled, should have the opportunity to visit the tomb, which is an important Jewish heritage site,” Bennett said May 3. He tweeted in Hebrew, “The cave has belonged to us, to the people of Israel, since Abraham purchased it with his own money 3,800 years ago. It is a great reward to play a role in this.’’

But objections quickly arose. the Hebron municipality said Bennett had greenlighted the plan without obtaining the Palestinian municipality’s agreement, saying the project would violate several agreements between Israel and the Palestinians. The municipality said these agreements make the Palestinian Authority the planning authority for the site. The 1997 Hebron Protocol, signed by the PLO and Israel, divides the city into two zones — Area H1, under Palestinian control, and Area H2, under Israeli control. The protocol also signals that authority for issuing permits in the city lies exclusively with the Hebron municipality, the Palestinians said.