Israel's parliament approved in a preliminary vote a bill known as the Western Wall bill, introduced by Avi Maoz of the Noam party, that would classify actions at holy sites contrary to rulings of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as criminal desecration. The proposal passed by 56 votes to 47 and would impose penalties of up to seven years in prison.

The legislation now moves to committee for further drafting and has generated significant controversy, particularly over whether it would apply to the Temple Mount. Maoz rejected claims that the measure would criminalize Jewish visits there, arguing that the site is not listed under the authority of the Chief Rabbinate.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, however, told colleagues that the law would apply to the Temple Mount and could lead to sweeping changes, including the closure of Arab schools and other activities at the site if it is formally recognized under the relevant religious rulings. Coalition sources said there is no intention to criminalize Jewish visits and that clarifications could be added to the bill, including redefining desecration according to Orthodox Jewish law rather than directly referencing the Chief Rabbinate's rulings.