62 Ministers and MKs demand Jewish presence at Joseph’s Tomb

Coalition leaders call for permanent Jewish return to Shechem site, 25 years after IDF withdrawal. Military plan to be presented Thursday.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

In a move described as both historic and unprecedented, 62 Israeli government ministers and Knesset members—including most of the Security Cabinet—have signed a formal appeal demanding the immediate return of a permanent Jewish presence to Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem.

The joint statement comes exactly 25 years after Israel’s withdrawal from the site, known in Hebrew as Kever Yosef, following the outbreak of the Second Intifada in October 2000, according to Israel National News.

The signatories include high-profile ministers such as Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Culture Minister Miri Regev, and Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin.

They assert that Israel has a moral and historical duty to restore access and sovereignty over the compound.

“Joseph’s Tomb is one of the most significant historical and spiritual sites for the Jewish people,” the statement read. “Its abandonment led to an escalation in terrorism and ultimately sparked the Second Intifada. This mistake must be corrected.”

Citing the Oslo Accords, the ministers and MKs emphasized that the agreement promised continued Jewish access to the site and even committed to restoring the yeshiva that had operated there.

“Leaving the site to terrorist control was a historic stain. It’s time for Israel to take responsibility,” the statement said.

The announcement coincides with a scheduled meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee’s subcommittee on Judea and Samaria.

At that meeting, IDF Central Command is expected to present a concrete plan to reinstate a Jewish presence at the tomb.

If approved, the plan will advance for political implementation.

The push for renewed presence has gained momentum over the past six months. It is led by Rabbi David Ben Natan, whose son, Shoval, was killed in recent fighting.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and MK Zvi Sukkot have also been at the forefront of the campaign.

Dozens of mayors, council heads, and grassroots activists have joined the initiative.

Dagan praised the unified political support, saying, “The people demand a historical correction. After 25 years of abandonment, we are closer than ever to restoring sovereignty at Joseph’s Tomb. This is a moment of truth — the Israeli government must fulfill its promise and implement the plan now. It’s not just our right — it’s a national obligation.”

Sukkot, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, echoed that sentiment.

“Tomorrow, the IDF will present the practical plan. I pledge to do everything in my power to secure political approval. The full support of the Cabinet and coalition ministers is not only meaningful—it is historic.”

Bezalel SmotrichIDFJoseph's TombJudea and SamariashechemYariv LevinYossi Dagan