Will Western Wall dispute topple Israeli government?

The dispute over the Western Wall could evolve from a local controversy between ultra-Orthodox and liberal Jewish organizations (the Reform and Conservative streams of Judaism known as Progressive Judaism and Women of the Wall) into an unprecedented head-on confrontation between the various religious factions in Israel and could even culminate in the overthrow of the government.

Here's a summary of events: In January, the government made a historic decision to grant liberal Jewish organizations a recognized status at the Western Wall. The plan calls for the appointment of representatives on behalf of liberal Jews to the public council to be set up to manage the Western Wall prayer space, and for the establishment of a special prayer compound next to Robinson's Arch to serve this population.

The ultra-Orthodox, who were not happy with the decision, to say the least, warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they would leave the coalition (thus toppling the government) unless the plan is significantly modified and restricted under the law. Meanwhile, Reform organizations appealed to the Supreme Court to enforce the decision. However, in view of the ultra-Orthodox objections, the state appealed to the Supreme Court no less than eight times to put off the implementation of the plan and allow time to reach a compromise. Alas, no such deal seems to be in the offing.

Before the most recent deferral on July 5, the representatives of the religious parties in the Knesset met with Netanyahu and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. Following the meeting, the ultra-Orthodox made it clear that they would by no means agree to give the Reform Jews a foothold at the Western Wall. At the same time, the Reform organizations continue to stand firm and declare that they have no intention of compromising.