Last update - 00:00 18/06/2007
Hasids plan second trip to Nablus tomb, despite IDF warning
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
A group of Bratslav Hasids attempted to reach the Joseph's Tomb in Nablus on Saturday night, and have announced their intention to do so again Monday night.
The Israel Defense Forces has prohibited Jews from entering the area of the tomb for security reasons, and is prepared to stop the group.
Saturday night a group of a few dozen people managed reach the settlement of Itamar, southeast of Nablus; a second group went to Mount Bracha northeast of Nablus. However, the groups did not manage to reach their destination, the tomb of the biblical patriarch.
The beginning of the Hebrew month of Tamuz, marking the death date of Joseph, is observed with celebrations.
The Hasids said the IDF was preventing access to the tomb because of the desecration of graves in the northern West Bank village of Kifel Hares during a celebration at the tomb of the biblical leader Joshua earlier this month, and the subsequent criticism voice concerning the army's actions.
In light of warnings the security establishment has received of the intention of terrorists to harm citizens planning to enter the city, and in keeping with assessments stemming from many considerations, the entrance of residents to the area is totally prohibited, a statement released by the army said.