Refurbishment work begins at 'Little Western Wall' in Muslim Quarter - report

PM Netanyahu approved the renovations and maintenance work after months of internal government discussions.

Pessah cleaning at Western Wall (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Pessah cleaning at Western Wall
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Israel began refurbishment work at the "Little Western Wall" situated in the Muslim Quarter, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported on Monday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to approve the renovations and maintenance work after months of internal government discussions.

The renovations were delayed due to political sensitivity.

The Little Western Wall is a lesser-known area of the Western Wall, located in the Muslim area of the Old City of Jerusalem. 

The Temple Mount Administration,  a far-right activist group led by Israeli rabbi Shimshon Elboim, responded that it congratulates the prime minister "for the vital and important care while part of the Temple Mount walls, the bedrock of our existence, is on the path to Israel's full return to the Temple Mount," KAN reported.

Remains of the magnificent 2000-year-old building recently excavated and due to be opened to the public (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Remains of the magnificent 2000-year-old building recently excavated and due to be opened to the public (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Ecuadorian President visits Western Wall

Earlier on Monday, Ecuadorian President Daniel Naboa made an official state visit to the Western Wall on Sunday evening, along with the Ecuadorian delegation, wearing a hostage pin on his lapel.

During his visit, Naboa's itinerary includes meeting with President Herzog, as well as meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz.