Thousands Gather at Joseph's Tomb Demanding Full Israeli Return to Site in West Bank

On Monday night, thousands of people entered the Joseph's Tomb compound in Nablus (Shechem) with the assistance of volunteers from the Samaria Regional Council and the Tomb of Joseph administration, accompanied by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops. Among the attendees were Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Samaria Chief Rabbi Elikim Levanon, Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot, and Rabbi Yossi Elitzur, head of the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva. Senior military officials present included West Bank Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller, Border Police Commander Nisso Guetta, and Samaria Brigade Commander Colonel D.

Rabbi Levanon emphasized the aspiration for permanent access to the site, stating, "Joseph the Righteous has waited thousands of years for his redemption. We expect soon to enter at all hours. Joseph's redemption is the redemption of the people of Israel." Rabbi Elitzur also called on the Israeli government to establish a permanent presence at the tomb. Yossi Dagan framed the gathering as representing the entire Jewish people, urging the government to make an immediate decision to return fully to Joseph's Tomb, reinstate the yeshiva, bring back the IDF, and raise the Israeli flag over the holy site. He described this return as the first step in reversing the Oslo withdrawal paradigm and beginning national restoration.

Knesset member Tzvi Sukkot criticized the previous neglect of the site, calling it a symbol of weakness that allowed Palestinian Authority militants control over a sacred Jewish heritage site. He declared it was long overdue to fully return to Joseph's Tomb and correct this injustice. The event highlighted growing calls from Israeli leaders and settlers for renewed sovereignty and security presence at this contested religious site in the West Bank.