After decades of court battles, the Jewish section of the Maarat HaMachpela complex (Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs) has finally been approved for a new roof, fire safety system, security measures and air conditioning. The change comes after Israel replaced the Muslim Waqf as the final authority at the site.
Heavy winter rains often cause flooding in the 2,000-year-old structure and the temporary tarp has collapsed on several occasions. A semi-permanent metal canopy was installed a year and a half ago, but the Muslim Waqf ordered it removed.
Due to repeated refusals from the Muslim Waqf to work together for necessary safety improvement, Israel removed their authority in July.
This week, Israel’s Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria informed the Palestinian Authority run Hebron Municipality and Muslim Waqf that they were ready to begin the new roof project.
The Civil Administration has stressed that they consider the new roof a humanitarian need and there will be no changes in the current status quo of the site being shared.
BACKGROUND
Since the 1990s, the holy site has been divided between Muslims and Jews, with separate entrances. Jewish sections comprise 35% of the structure, the main prayer area of which is unroofed and exposed to the hot sun in the summer and rain in the winter.
Elimelech Karzen a long-time manager for the Maarat HaMachpela administration called it “a historic step that will lead, God willing, to changing the reality in this holy place.” A native of Hebron, he helps manage daily maintenance in the Jewish section of the Machepla complex. “We are ready for any task for the honor of the forefathers and mothers,” he stated. “We will continue to work to the best of our ability to connect the people of Israel who live here in the land and those in the Diaspora to the resting place of the Biblical ancestors.”
Karzen explained that when King Herod the Great of Judea built the structure atop of the Cave of Machpela 2,000 years ago, it was an open courtyard and a large drainage system was not necessary.
But over the generations the Byzantines, Mamluks and Ottomans added the sections that exist today covering some with roofs.
WAQF REJECTS REPAIRS
Most of the complex is designated for Islamic prayer and the Muslim Waqf maintains control over the final maintenance of the site. Even basic repair work requires the Jewish maintenance body to get permission from the Muslim maintenance body.
In an attempt to come up with a permanent solution, a plan was devised 25 years ago to create a beautiful glass ceiling. This would have included an adapted alternative drainage system and central air conditioning for the entire Machpela structure, including the area allocated to Muslims.
The plan was reviewed and received approval from all professional bodies, including archaeological, engineering and security personnel. The special glass parts were ordered from a European manufacturer specializing in such projects, arrived in Israel and were stored in a warehouse.
Then, just before the approval of the implementation and the start of the project, the legal advisors entered the picture.
In the absence of consent from the Muslim Waqf and subsequent legal-political approval, the project was stopped and shelved.
The special glass parts have become obsolete in the meantime and are no longer usable. Some of those involved in the planning have retired, others have passed away.
WAQF ORDERS ROOF REMOVED
About a year and a half ago, when the flooding became dangerous, a temporary ceiling was installed. A special ceremony was held by the Hebron city council, the Cave of Machpela administration and other partners with the assistance of generous donors.
The construction of the ceiling was loudly decried by the Muslim Waqf who rallied opposition from Muslim countries. Due to this pressure, the ceiling was ordered removed and the roof project was once again sent back to the planning stages.
Today, the Minister of Defense, IDF Central Command, and the Civil Administration have been working to erect the roofing according to its original plan, and the roof is expected to be constructed in the coming months.
Israel Bramson, head of the Kiryat Arba City Council, the neighboring community to Hebron, called it, “historic news for the Jewish people in Israel and for the whole Jewish world… after years of public struggle, we are privileged to see change happen… roofing the courtyard is not only a necessary solution for worshippers, but a national declaration. The Cave of the Patriarchs & Matriarchs is the home of the people of Israel. We will continue to strengthen our presence, sovereignty, and our unbreakable connection to the City of the Ancestors.”
HISTORICAL DETAILS
The Cave of Machpela is the burial site of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca and Leah, as describes in the Torah. The Book of Genesis details Abraham’s purchase of the cave for 400 shekels. The current structure was built during the Second Temple Era and is one of the oldest still-standing structures in the world.
The 1997 Hebron Accords resulted in Hebron being divided with 80% being designated as H1 for the Palestinian Authority which has its own mayor and city council. The other 20% has been designated as H2 for Israelis. Jews are only allowed to access 3% of the city, comprising the Jewish neighborhoods. The Machpela structure is on Israel’s H2 side of the border.
The rotation agreement between Israel and the Muslim Waqf allows for ten days out of the year for Muslims to access the entire structure for Muslim holidays and ten days for Jews to access the usually designed Muslim section for Jewish holidays. This arrangement will remain in place with no changes.
See further: Important Renovations for Tomb after Transfer of Authority to Israel – July 2025
News coverage:
- Civil Administration revokes powers in Hebron from the Palestinian Authority – Israel National News
- Roofing the courtyard of the Cave of the Patriarchs: Part of a broad sovereignty movement – Makor Rishon
- Drama in the Cave of the Patriarchs: The Civil Administration takes authority from the Hebron Municipality – Israel HaYom
- According to the directive of the political echelon: Roofing of the courtyard of the Cave of the Patriarchs begins – Channel 14
- Announcement from Hebron Municipality
- Announcement from Maarat HaMachpela administration
