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.
