Following two decades of stalled proposals and unrealized plans, restoration efforts officially began Monday morning at the Kosel Hakotton, nestled in the Muslim Quarter of Yerushalayim’s Old City. The project moved forward after receiving direct authorization from Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
The Kosel Hakotton, situated just north of the main Kosel plaza near the Iron Gate, has long been revered for its spiritual and historical importance. Despite repeated calls for its renovation over the years, progress had been hindered by ongoing political sensitivities and security challenges.
The final go-ahead for the project came after extensive deliberations involving Prime Minister Netanyahu, senior members of the National Security Council, law enforcement authorities, and the Shin Bet security agency.
Officials in Jordan were only notified of the project’s initiation a few hours before the work began.
In recent months, the site has seen increased religious activity, with daily tefillos organized by Old City residents and those dedicated to preserving the location. Worshippers brought in tables, chairs, siddurim, and even a Sefer Torah to enable structured and comfortable prayer services at the location.
The launch of the renovation has been met with enthusiastic support. The Temple Mount Administration released a statement saying, “We congratulate the Prime Minister for addressing the vital and important care of another part of the Temple Mount walls, the rock of our existence, on the path to Israel’s full return to the Temple Mount.”
{Matzav.com Israel}