A bill that would ban and criminalize non Orthodox prayer at the Western Wall is set to be discussed by the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in the coming days. The proposed law would grant Israel’s two Orthodox chief rabbis full authority over Jewish holy sites and classify any worship contrary to their rulings as a desecration punishable by up to seven years in prison. The legislation would also apply to the Ezrat Israel egalitarian prayer area, where liberal Jewish movements currently hold mixed gender services.

The bill, sponsored by a far right lawmaker, passed a preliminary reading earlier this year despite reported efforts by the prime minister to prevent government backing. Leaders from Conservative and Reform movements have strongly condemned the initiative, calling it a disgrace and warning that it could alienate millions of Jews worldwide. They argue that criminalizing non Orthodox prayer undermines religious freedom and damages Israel’s relationship with Diaspora communities.

The debate comes amid broader tensions over religion and state, including a separate proposal to recognize only conversions conducted according to traditional Jewish law for the purpose of immigration and citizenship. While some discussions have been postponed, liberal Jewish leaders say they remain deeply concerned that the measures could advance, particularly at a time of rising antisemitism globally and increased scrutiny of Israel’s ties with Jewish communities abroad.