An extensive roofing and renovation project at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron was completed on Wednesday after months of intensive construction. The overhaul was carried out pursuant to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s policy decision to nullify municipal aspects of the Hebron Agreement and transfer direct planning and building jurisdiction away from the local municipality.
Speaking at the site, Minister Smotrich declared: “The Cave of the Patriarchs is the first sovereign acquisition of the Jewish people. The ground purchased by our forefather Abraham from Ephron the Hittite became the eternal symbol of our sovereignty in this Land. This morning, thanks to determined and professional execution across all governing bodies, we crossed the finish line of this vital roofing and renovation project.”
Smotrich conveyed his gratitude to key partners in the initiative, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, Minister Orit Strock, the Head of Central Command, personnel from the Civil Administration, COGAT, and the Defense Ministry’s Construction Directorate: “This represents an historic closing of the circle. Thanks to this unified effort, vast multitudes of the Jewish people will be able to pray here in dignified, appropriate conditions this coming Rosh Hashanah.”