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Israel's Knesset passed a bill giving the Chief Rabbinate control over Western Wall prayer, sparking opposition over religious freedom.
The Israeli Knesset advanced a bill in a preliminary vote, passing it 56-47, that would give the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over prayer at the Western Wall, defining religious "desecration" by its rulings and requiring government consultation with its office.
The legislation, backed by ultra-Orthodox parties and sponsored by MK Avi Maoz, aims to restrict mixed-gender and non-Orthodox worship at the egalitarian plaza, Ezrat Yisrael, following a High Court order to complete its upgrades.
Progressive Jewish groups and international leaders oppose the bill, warning it threatens religious pluralism, freedom of worship, and could criminalize non-Orthodox practices with prison penalties.
Prime Minister Netanyahu did not support it in a ministerial committee, citing concerns over relations with global Jewish communities.
The bill still requires three more readings and committee reviews before becoming law.
La Knesset de Israel aprobó un proyecto de ley que otorga al Gran Rabinato el control sobre la oración en el Muro Occidental, lo que provocó oposición por la libertad religiosa.