The confrontation between the Haredi, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit over control of the Tiferet Yisrael synagogue has not been canceled, but has been moved to another forum. In light of the request of 'Religious Zionism' and 'Otzma Yehudit,' Prime Minister Netanyahu removed the government's decision on the Tiferet Yisrael synagogue from the agenda. The discussion will take place at a meeting of the coalition leaders.
Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit strongly opposed the proposal of the Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush, to transfer ownership of the "Tiferet Yisrael" synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem to Haredi management.
The draft resolution, which was submitted to the ministers ahead of the government meeting, states: "The government notes the announcement by the Company for the Restoration and Development of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem Ltd., according to which the management of the 'Tiferet Israel' synagogue will be carried out by it in cooperation with the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, in accordance with an agreement to be signed between them within 120 days of the date of this resolution."
Ahead of the government meeting, the chairman of Religious Zionism, Finance Minister Smotrich, said: "The Tiferet Yisrael synagogue was restored from its ruins on the initiative and execution of our friend, the Minister of Housing and former party chairman Uri Ariel. The Religious Zionism faction will oppose such a move on Sunday. We will not allow the hijacking of a very important synagogue in the heart of Israel's capital. At this time, there are sectors that are on the front lines of the fighting, destroying the enemy and suffering losses. We cannot abandon them."
Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf of Otzma Yehudit, who grew up in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, also opposed the proposed resolution. Wasserlauf wrote on his X account ahead of the debate: "I grew up in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, on the ruins of the historic 'Tiferet Yisrael' synagogue. Words cannot explain the excitement when I first entered the restored synagogue building. In the government's decision on Jerusalem, I worked, along with other friends, to restore and rebuild this important synagogue."
The synagogue, which was destroyed by the Jordanian Legion during the War of Independence, was rebuilt in the last decade. In November 2012, the District Committee approved the plan to reconstruct the synagogue. In May 2014, the cornerstone was laid for the reconstructed synagogue. In September 2022, the foundation stone was placed on the synagogue roof and the construction of the dome was completed.
During the years of rebuilding the synagogue and even after the completion of construction, the debates between the ultra-Orthodox, national religious, and representatives of other communities, over the question of management and ownership, did not cease. Now, as stated, the issue will be moved to a discussion by the heads of the coalition parties.