Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was granted a unique heter halachah by his rav, Rabbi Dov Lior, permitting him to enter the entirety of Har Habayis, including areas that are ordinarily off-limits to the broader public due to their heightened kedushah.

The matter came to light following a visit by Ben-Gvir to the home of Rav Lior, who serves as the manhig ruchani of the Otzma Yehudit party.

It should be pointed out that all the leading poskim of this and previous generations have forbidden entry to the Har Habayis.

During their meeting, Rav Lior presented a detailed map outlining the halachically permitted route for those ascending Har Habayis, highlighting the importance of remaining strictly within those designated areas to avoid entering places that are assur due to their sanctity. In general, Rav Lior allows visits to Har Habayis only under specific conditions—limited to the permitted pathways and following proper tevilah in a mikvah.

However, the rav explained—according to a report in Matzav Haruach—that Minister Ben-Gvir’s situation is distinct from that of the general public. Due to his position within the Israeli government, a separate psak applies to him, rooted in the concept of “sovereign control” of the State of Israel and the Jewish people over the Har Habayis. Based on this reasoning, he is allowed to enter even those areas where there exists a halachic prohibition for others.

Rav Lior elaborated on the reasoning behind this ruling, stating: “This is done through the importance of the concept of sovereignty of the State of Israel and the Jewish people on the Har Habayis, expressed by a minister of the State of Israel ascending and demonstrating presence in these places. Of course, it is desirable to do so with as much solemnity as possible, befitting these holy sites.”

{Matzav.com}