"Yasher koach"

Rav Lior backs Ben-Gvir on Har HaBayis

Rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Chevron praises National Security Minister's efforts to improve conditions for Jews ascending Har HaBayis in purity; rare support comes amid sharp attacks from chareidi politicians

Gila Isaacson

OCT 25, 2026 16:57

2 min read

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In the midst of a stormy election campaign and sharp attacks from chareidi politicians, HaGaon HaRav Dov Lior shlita, rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Chevron and rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat HaHesder, has sent a rare letter of support to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on the issue of Jewish ascent to Har HaBayis.

In the brief but unequivocal letter, Rav Lior writes: "I bless your vigorous efforts to improve the conditions for Jews entering Har HaBayis who ascend in purity and sanctity to the permitted areas only, according to all the rules of halacha. Yasher koach."

Rav Lior adds a personal message of encouragement to the minister at the letter's close: "Do not fear and do not be dismayed by all those trying to weaken your spirit."

The letter of support arrives at a significant moment, as Ben-Gvir finds himself at the center of a political assault from the veteran chareidi parties. Rishon LeTzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef warned sharply against voting for Ben-Gvir, while Ben-Gvir himself has accused chareidi political operatives of hypocrisy and of attempting to stem the flow of chareidi votes toward his party.

In recent days, attacks on Ben-Gvir from the chareidi public have intensified, with political and rabbinic leaders calling on chareidi voters not to vote for his party.

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