Israel Announces Plan After Holy Sepulchre Dispute
Israel’s security restrictions at Christianity’s holiest site sparked global backlash while prompting limited concessions.
JERUSALEM — Israeli authorities announced on March 29, 2026, a special plan allowing Christian leaders to resume services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, following international backlash over the obstruction of Catholic clergy on Palm Sunday.
The decision by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came after police prevented Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the church, marking what church officials described as an unprecedented disruption. Israeli officials stated the restrictions were temporary and driven by security concerns amid ongoing missile threats attributed to Iran, noting that fragments had recently fallen near the holy site.
Global reaction was swift, with leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and Mike Huckabee criticizing the move as a violation of religious freedom. Cardinal Pizzaballa called the incident a serious precedent, while the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to seek clarity on Paschal celebrations.
Despite uncertainty, the custodians of the Holy Sepulchre plan to proceed with the Holy Fire ceremony, even under restrictions similar to those imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a missile fragment fell near the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
