The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discussed the security situation
at Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem in Monday. It appears that a roof may
be built over the compound, to protect the worshipers inside from
incessant Arab attacks.
The IDF told Knesset Members that about 200 firebombs and 90 improvised explosive devices(IEDs) have been thrown at the compound since November’s Pillar of Defense military operation in Gaza. That means an average of almost two bombs a day.
The military said that the very tall walls that have been constructed
around the compound – nine meters high, or almost 30 feet – have not
sufficed to provide security.
Committee Chairman Avigdor Lieberman instructed the military to
examine plans that were drawn up a long time ago, to add a roof over the
compound, in order to provide security for the worshipers inside.
Themilitary is to go back to the committee and report on its findings in
a month’s time.
MK Orit Struk said after the discussion, “I am pleased with the
results of the discussion and I hope that we will have the privilege of
seeing Rachel’s Tomb turn from a bunker into a proper place of worship. I
thank the IDF and the Border Police for the efforts they have been
making in order make the place secure.”
Coalition Chairman MK Yariv Levin called the instruction to
reexamine security arrangements “important” and predicted that it would
lead to the protection of worshipers and of security personnel.
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