Israel Denies Malicious Intent in Blocking Patriarch from Holy Sepulchre

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied any malicious intent in the decision to prevent the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday mass.

 

In a statement posted on X, the Prime Minister’s office said the move by Jerusalem police was driven solely by security concerns.

 

“Out of special concern for his safety, Jerusalem police prevented the Latin Patriarch from holding mass this morning at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,” the statement read.

 

It added, “There was no malicious intent whatsoever, only concern for his safety and that of his party.”

 

The development comes at a sensitive time for Christians worldwide, as Holy Week begins ahead of Easter celebrations.

 

In response to the incident, Israeli authorities said efforts are underway to ensure that Christian worshippers and church leaders can carry out their religious activities in the coming days.

 

“Given the holiness of the week leading up to Easter for the world’s Christians, Israel’s security arms are putting together a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site,” the statement added.

 

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is one of Christianity’s most sacred sites, believed to be the location of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ.

 

The restriction has drawn attention amid ongoing security concerns in the region, though authorities insist measures are being taken to balance safety with religious observance.