MK Avi Maoz Vows to Pass Western Wall Prayer Law in Next Knesset Term

MK Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, participated in the Rosh Chodesh Elul prayer at the Western Wall plaza alongside dozens of party activists. During the event, Maoz addressed disruptions caused by the Women of the Wall, a group known for challenging traditional prayer customs at the site. Maoz expressed regret that the Western Wall Prayer Law, which he promoted, stalled in the previous Knesset term due to opposition led by MK Rotman under the prime minister's directive. He pledged to push for the law's passage early in the next Knesset session, aiming to end what he described as "disrespect and desecration" of the holy site.

The law, which passed a preliminary reading, seeks to legally establish the Chief Rabbinate as the sole authority to regulate prayer rules at the Western Wall. This aims to prevent provocations and preserve the sanctity of the location. Maoz criticized the current coalition, stating that the "desecration of the Wall is on their hands." The ongoing struggle over prayer arrangements at the Western Wall remains a contentious issue in Israeli politics and society, with Maoz actively working to advance legislation that would reinforce traditional religious control over the site.

The next steps involve Maoz and his party striving to secure sufficient parliamentary support to finalize the law early in the upcoming Knesset term, signaling a renewed effort to regulate prayer practices and curb disruptions at the Western Wall.