Israeli Ministry of Religious Services Plans to Close Cave of the Patriarchs Within Two Weeks Over Budget Crisis

Yehuda Avidan, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Religious Services, has instructed the management of the Cave of the Patriarchs to prepare for a full closure of the site within 14 days due to a lack of approved budget funding. This decision follows a freeze order issued by the Israeli Supreme Court on budget allocations approved by the Finance Committee, leaving no authorized financial source to continue operating the site.

In a letter to Amitei Cohen, manager of the Cave of the Patriarchs administration, and Uri Tzobari, chairman of the Kiryat Arba Religious Council, Avidan emphasized that the ministry remains responsible for the site's operation but cannot commit to expenses without budget approval. The ministry funds the site's daily operations through the Civil Administration, but most of the budget has relied on coalition funds not yet formalized in the state budget.

The closure preparations include halting all visitor, worshipper, and tourist access, locking the site gates, issuing layoff notices to employees, stopping contractors and suppliers, and canceling all events and ceremonies. Coordination with the Israel Defense Forces, Israeli Police, and Border Police is required to transfer security responsibilities due to the cessation of civilian security operations. Additionally, the ministry must reduce infrastructure activity, preserve the site and equipment, and inform the public about the closure.

Avidan expressed regret over the situation but stated that legal constraints force these measures until a budget solution is found by the responsible authorities. The Cave of the Patriarchs is a site of significant religious and historical heritage, and the ministry is committed to its care despite the current financial impasse.