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flag Israel's Knesset passed a bill giving the Chief Rabbinate control over Western Wall prayer, sparking opposition over religious freedom.

flag 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. flag 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. flag 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. flag Prime Minister Netanyahu did not support it in a ministerial committee, citing concerns over relations with global Jewish communities. flag The bill still requires three more readings and committee reviews before becoming law.

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